![Coronavirus Latest News Updates](https://marketingwam.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Coronavirus-Latest-News-Updates-780x400.png)
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 14 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 149,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 60% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 14,015,065 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 179,756 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 17,988 (693 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 231
Total UK deaths: 149,515
England Cases per 100,000: 1,729
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,874,548 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 29,030
Daily 2nd doses: 41,664
Daily Booster doses: 247,478
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 79,975
New cases in past 7 days: 7,490 to 1 Jan
Total deaths: 926
Cases per 100,000: 1,937
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Critical workers to take daily lateral flow tests
Around 100,000 critical workers are set to take daily Covid tests in order to reduce the spread of the virus to colleagues. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it will be for key industries including food processing, transport and the border force.
PM: Plan B to continue for another 3 weeks
England’s current Plan B rules will continue for now, Boris Johnson has confirmed, as new figures show a record one in 15 people had Covid on New Year’s Eve.
In an update to MPs, the prime minister said the Covid measures will be reviewed again by 26 January. The rules cannot be scrapped completely because hospital admissions are rising rapidly, he added. Omicron continues to spread widely, with some hospitals struggling to cope. A record 3.7 million people in the UK had Covid in the week to New Year’s Eve – an extra million more than the week before – according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
Pre-departure travel tests to be scrapped
From 04:00 GMT on Friday, fully vaccinated travellers coming to England will no longer have to take a test before they travel. And from Sunday, rather than taking a PCR test on day two of arrival, they can take a cheaper lateral flow.
The rules for self-isolating on arrival will also change. Under the new rules:
- From 04:00 GMT on Friday 7 January, people who are fully vaccinated and those aged under-18 will no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England from countries outside the UK and the Common Travel Area. On arrival, they will have to take a PCR test but they will no longer have to self-isolate while awaiting the result
- From 04:00 GMT on Sunday 9 January they will only have to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test on day two. But this test must be bought from a private test provider – free NHS tests are not allowed
- Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for 10 days
PCR test not needed after positive lateral flow test under new plans
Covid testing rules are to be eased for people without symptoms, who will no longer need to confirm a positive lateral flow test with a PCR.
While Covid levels are high, people can be confident that rapid tests are highly accurate, the UK Health Security Agency said. The change will come into force in England next week and across the rest of the UK within days. It will be reviewed when coronavirus levels in the population drop below 1%. Around 4% of people are currently infected with coronavirus, according to the Office for National Statistics. Under the new guidance, anyone in England who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result should report their result on gov.uk and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test.
Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results
From 11 January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately.
PM statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19: 5 January 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the Omicron variant.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
MAG CEO welcomes relaxation of travel rules
Manchester Airports Group CEO, Charlie Cornish, has welcomed the relaxation of travel rules meaning fully vaccinated arrivals in the UK no longer need a negative Covid-19 test before departure in order to enter the country. From Sunday 9th January, fully vaccinated travellers entering the UK will be able to use a lateral flow test, taken on or before their second day in the country, instead of a more costly PCR test and extended period of self-isolation, and will no longer be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before travel. With the Omicron variant now dominant in the UK, measures implemented to curb its spread from overseas have now been deemed by the departments of Health and Transport as no longer effective or necessary for controlling the transmission of Covid-19.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated title of the ending isolation infographic and clarified that self-isolation advice applies to children and young people.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing times.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated video links to reflect changes to confirmatory PCR rules.
CONSTRUCTION:
Create Construction collapsed owing £10m to suppliers
North-west based contractor Create Construction owed more than £10m to subcontractors and suppliers when it went under. An administrator’s report filed at Companies House revealed total debts of £11.6m to unsecured creditors including £10.4m to hundreds of firms in the supply chain. Administrator RSM took charge of the £93m turnover business last October following a period of rapid expansion nationally focused on the student accommodation, private rental and hotel sectors. Other companies within the Create group -the developments, homes and interiors arms – are unaffected by the administration.
EDUCATION:
Evidence summary: COVID-19 – children, young people and education settings
DfE papers summarising evidence in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around children, young people and education settings – added ‘Evidence summary: COVID-19 – face coverings in education settings January 2022’.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that children can return to school after day 7 if they’ve had two negative LFD tests.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests.
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that children and young people can return to school and college after day 7 if they’ve had two negative LFD tests.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus pandemic
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to maintain provision – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that students can return to college after day 7 if they’ve had 2 negative LFD tests.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
Estimated 1.3million suffering from long Covid
An estimated 1.3 million people living in the UK are suffering from self-reported long COVID, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. The figures, valid from 9 November to 6 December, represents around 2% of the population. According to the ONS, prevalence of self-reported long COVID remained greatest in those who were:
- Aged 35 to 69 years
- Female
- Living in more deprived areas
- Working in health, social care or teaching and education
With another activity-limiting health condition or disability
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 6 January 2022
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported long COVID and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
Regulatory approval of Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca)
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) – updated summary of product characteristics and package leaflet information for Vaxzevria
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: Headline Results 5 January 2022
An interim release of latest data from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection survey containing high level estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse laboratory to collect and test samples. These headline results are a temporary publication presented in advance of our fuller, regular weekly bulletin issued at midday each Friday.
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date – added data for 5 January 2022.
MANUFACTURING:
Electric car sales soar but shortage of chips hit market
Sales of electric vehicles soared last year, but the market as a whole failed to recover from the Covid pandemic. More electric cars were registered in 2021 than in the previous five years combined, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Yet the industry body said much more investment is needed in charging infrastructure. Meanwhile an acute shortage of computer chips left dealers struggling to get hold of many new conventional models.
PROPERTY:
Covid race for space helps boost country house property market
High-value properties were the top-performers in the country house market in 2021, according to an agency that majors in this sector. In the 12 months to November 2021 vs 12 months to November 2019 new prospective buyers in the £5m+ value band increased by 137 per cent according to Knight Frank. Offers accepted in this period were up by 107 per cent and exchanges by 84 per cent. In the overall country house market, which has enjoyed its strongest performance since the global financial crisis, new prospective buyers increased by 48 per cent, offers accepted by 40 per cent and exchanges by 44 per cent in the same period. “I’ve never known a time like it in 30-plus years. Leading up to the pandemic the top-end was pretty flat, however Covid has seen a resurgence of interest in the country house market, with buyers attracted to the high quality of life on offer” says Rupert Sweeting, head of national country sales at Knight Frank.
RETAIL:
Next warns of higher prices as costs soar
Next has said it will raise its prices this year to offset increased wages as well as higher shipping costs. It said prices for its spring and summer clothing and homeware ranges would rise by 3.7% from a year earlier, while it expects a 6% increase for autumn and winter goods. Its forecast came as it said sales for the three months to 25 December were up 20% compared with pre-pandemic 2019.
Next also upped its profit forecast for the year. It now expects to make an extra £22m, taking annual profits to £822m, which would be nearly 10% higher than in 2019.
£70m more Christmas sales than expected for Next
Next has registered £70 million more sales than expected over Christmas after a rise in online orders of party dresses and occasionwear. The fashion retailer said it now expected to make £822 million in annual profits, £22 million more than previously expected and almost 10% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. In the eight weeks to Christmas, Next said its sales rose 20% on 2019 despite suffering “materially lower” levels of stocks than it had hoped for.
B&M has been buoyed by a strong third quarter and Christmas performance.
Total revenue for Q3 – the 13 weeks to 25 December 2021 – was down only slightly from £1.398bn the previous year to £1.395bn. This was driven by revenues increasing at Heron Foods and in its France brand. B&M UK sales fell from £1.21bn to £1.18bn. Chief executive Simon Arora said: “The group has delivered a very strong Golden Quarter, with our two-year like-for-like performance demonstrating strong retention of new customers.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor transport activity on a timelier basis for topical issues relating to transport.
Haulier coronavirus testing updated to include 29 December 2021 figures.
TRAVEL:
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated the section on how to use the NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad to reflect that proof of prior infection cannot be used as evidence of your COVID-19 status when entering England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing public health information to passengers travelling to or from England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it – changes to rules for fully vaccinated passengers travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad – changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus northern, Fiji, The Gambia, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Solomon Islands and Uzbekistan will be added to this list 4am Monday 10 January.
How to quarantine at home after international travel
What to do when you need to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after you arrive in England from abroad – added information on changes to the rules for fully vaccinated people arriving in England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers
Testing and border measures are changing for fully eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England.
Useful links:
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.
Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – Financial Support: HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0