UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,260,258 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 48,682 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 36,797 (4,256 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,248
Total UK deaths: 86,015
England Cases per 100,000: 622.3 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 2,918,252 up to and including 13 January 2021
Latest weekly figure: 388,677
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 15,507
New cases in past 7 days: 1,571 to 7 Jan
Total deaths: 566
Cases per 100,000: 409 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.0 – 1.4
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.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
ONS: UK Economy shrinks by 2.6%
The UK economy shrank by 2.6% in November as lockdown restrictions reduced economic activity, official figures show. The Office for National Statistics said UK gross domestic product at the end of November was 8.5% below its pre-pandemic peak. November’s decline came after sixth consecutive months of growth, with a 0.6% improvement in October. The hit to the service sector – which accounts for about three-quarters of the UK economy – meant it contracted by 3.4% in November, and is now 9.9% below the level of February 2020.
Traces of Brazilian variant found in the UK
One of two variants of the coronavirus discovered in Brazil has been detected in the UK, according to a leading virologist. The news comes as travellers from South America are no longer allowed to come into the UK, amid fears over a new coronavirus variant first identified in Brazil. The UK’s new travel ban – which also applies to Portugal and Cape Verde – came into force at 04:00 GMT on Friday. Travel is already banned from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola, the Seychelles and Mauritius. The rules do not apply to British and Irish nationals, long-term visa holders or those with residency rights – but they must self-isolate, even if they would normally be exempt. Hauliers coming from Portugal are also exempt.
Biometric tech firm launches live testing of UK COVID-19 passport
A London-based biometric identification specialist has today announced the trial launch of its new COVID-19 immunity and vaccination passport. iProov has partnered with deeptech firm Mvine to launch the Mvine-iProov passport, after securing £75k investment from Innovate UK. The passport enables a person’s test result or vaccination status to be registered and proved without disclosing their identity. Founded by Andrew Bud, iProov specialises in identification verification technology, and has previously secured contracts with the likes of the US Department of Homeland Security and the UK Home Office.
easyJet crew fast-track to become Covid vaccinators
The airline said it had more than 3,000 first aid trained and security cleared staff up and down the country ready to assist. “Furloughed crew have an ideal skill set to be able to assist in the effort to provide much needed inoculation support to the NHS in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine,” said easyJet. Those fast-tracked to assist will undergo online training followed by on-site immunisation training to become full-qualified vaccinators.
Past Covid-19 patients may have up to 5 months protection
BBC: Most people who have had Covid-19 are protected from catching it again for at least five months, a study led by Public Health England shows. But scientists say some people do catch Covid-19 a second time and can infect others, with officials stressing people should follow the stay-at-home rules whether or not they have had the virus.
High Street Pharmacies begin to administer Covid vaccine
The first six of 200 High Street pharmacies in England have begun vaccinating people as part of a plan to offer jabs to 15 million people across the UK in four priority groups by mid-February. However, pharmacists say many more chemist shops should be allowed to administer the injection.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Communiqués on COVID-19 Engagement
Communiqués relating to engagement between the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the devolved administrations on COVID-19
Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Plan draft unveiled
A draft plan to guide the recovery of Macclesfield town centre following the Covid-19 pandemic has been unveiled by Cheshire East Council.An online forum, hosted by Macclesfield Town Council, will allow for discussion of plans and take the first steps towards implementation.
Northern leaders decry transport budget cuts despite promises to ‘level-up’
Leaders from across the North of England have spoken out against government plans to cut funding for transport initiatives across the region, including smart ticketing plans for rail, bus and tram travel throughout the North.
Council leaders from across the North-East, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire have joined metro-mayors in denouncing the plans which has left them searching for new funding streams to continue with smart ticketing plans.
AGRICULTURE & FARMING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only.
Updated guidance following the 4 January announcement of a national lockdown.
BREXIT:
HMRC: The Brexit transition period has now ended
Changes have now come into effect for businesses that trade goods with Europe or represent businesses who do. Attend our webinars to find out what you need to do now to keep trading with the EU. By registering for our webinars below, or watching our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channelyou can familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. The trader checklist is also still available on GOV.UK to help you ensure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you. We’ve also updated our guides to help businesses understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between Great Britain and EU countries.
Webinars to register for now:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 14 January 2021
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back.
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – two new examples about how to calculate your employees’ wages if they are paid a fixed annual amount have been added to the page (at 3.14 and 3.15).
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – information added on how to request that HMRC do not publish claim information.
Help employers apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant (Kickstart gateway)
Information for organisations who want to be a Kickstart gateway and help employers apply for the Kickstart Scheme.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Domestic abuse: get help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
Added a new section on the Ask for ANI codeword scheme. New information on Safe Spaces and Hestia’s Everyone’s Business Advice Line.
CONSTRUCTION:
Firms due £50m Covid dividend in R&D tax rebates
Contractors are in line for a £50m payout in tax rebates after reworking sites to keep them operational during the pandemic. Firms that redesigned sites and introduced new safety measures and processes to ensure safe working are eligible to recoup expenditure through the Government R&D tax credits system.
This was set up by Government to reward companies for innovative products, processes or services in their sector. Tim Fitch, director at R&D claims consultant Invennt, said that any Tier 1 contractor or subcontractor would be eligible to make an enhanced claim associated with overcoming the Covid impact on construction.
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
Past COVID-19 infection provides some immunity but people may still carry and transmit virus
Study finds past coronavirus (COVID-19) infection provides some immunity for at least 5 months, but people may still carry and transmit the virus.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of private providers.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Designated settings for people discharged to a care home
Guidance on the designated settings scheme for people discharged from hospital to a care home with a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.
UK COVID-19 vaccines delivery plan
How the UK government was able to build up a supply of vaccines and how it is planning to deploy them.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – updated to remove reference to antibody tests from NHS England test sites.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 31 December 2020 to 6 January 2021
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 32 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
COVID-19: supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Guidance for care staff who are supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March to December 2020
The weekly management information used by HMCTS for understanding workload volumes and timeliness at a national level during coronavirus (COVID-19), March 2020 to December 2020
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus fall-out is main deterrent for buyers and sellers
Even the prospect of a stamp duty holiday is not enough to persuade many buyers and sellers to enter the market according to a new survey. The study of 6,000 adults – by financial services giant Aviva – shows that millions of potential buyers have put their plans on hold. Among those who paused their house-buying plans, delays relate mainly to financial concerns and worries about job security given the volatile economy. Some 36 per cent of people who had planned to buy a home in 2020 but didn’t, say they were nervous about taking on additional financial commitments at that time and a fifth report that a member of the household lost their job or was furloughed.
RETAIL:
Lockdown – Primark set for £1bn losses by end of February
A UK fashion brand has reported that it is set to see losses of more than £1bn for the financial half year. Primark, which is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF), said today that it had shifted its predictions for this half of the year from a £650m loss of sales to £1.05bn. The losses are due to temporary store closures under coronavirus lockdown restrictions, with 76 per cent of the brand’s locations closed worldwide. However, it said that it is saving 25 per cent on operating costs of closed stores, which it believes will “break even” its operating profit.
TRANSPORT:
Transport measures to protect England from variant strains of COVID-19
Details of any additional restrictions in place on travel into England due to coronavirus – added information about coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before travelling to England.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs and vans can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added information about coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for people travelling to England.
TRAVEL:
Travel from South American destinations, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde banned to prevent spread of new variant
New travel restrictions on passengers arriving in England from South American destinations, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing for people travelling to England
You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad.
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – exemptions for COVID tests to enter England added.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added information about coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before travelling to England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing introduced to bolster border measures
International arrivals required to prove negative COVID-19 test result before departure for England.
Useful Links:
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
Media and Marketing:
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
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market