UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 2,889,419 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 52,618 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 30,370 (3,600 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,162
Total UK deaths: 78,508
UK Cases per 100,000: 581.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 1.3 million as of 3 January
Latest weekly figure: 333,224
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 13,930
New cases in past 7 days: 1,776 to 31 Dec
Total deaths: 538
Cases per 100,000: 462.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
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:
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine rollout begins today
BBC: The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine will be rolled across GP surgeries across England from today. More than 700 local sites will administer jabs, with another 180 GP-led centres, 100 new hospital sites and a pilot scheme with pharmacies opening this week. It comes after the UK reported its highest daily death toll since April, with 1,041 people dying within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, and a record 62,322 new cases. About one million people have received the Pfizer jab, according to NHS England’s Dr Nikki Kanani. The figure for Wales is more than 35,000, while 100,000 people in Scotland and 40,000 in Northern Ireland have had a first dose. The Oxford vaccine is seen as key to protecting housebound people and those in care homes, as it does not require ultra-cold storage.
BBC Breaking news: Third vaccine approved in the UK
It is made by the company Moderna and works in a similar way to the Pfizer one that is already being offered on the NHS. Supplies of the new jab are not expected to be available until the Spring however. The UK has pre-ordered 7 million doses.
Around 1.5 million people in the UK have had at least one dose of Covid vaccine so far. How does the Moderna vaccine compare?
Moderna vaccine becomes third COVID-19 vaccine approved by UK regulator
The vaccine has been approved after meeting the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
UK: International passengers required to provide negative Covid test result
All international passengers will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test resultbefore travelling to England or Scotland by plane, boat or train. Arrivals, including UK nationals, will have to take a test up to 72 hours before leaving from abroad. “With new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions,” says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. The measures are expected to come into effect in England early next week, and “as soon as possible” in Scotland, while officials are said to be working closely with the devolved administrations on similar measures for Wales and Northern Ireland.
FT: China blocks WHO team investigating origin of Covid pandemic
Beijinghas barred the entry of a 10-member World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic after their visas were not approved. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said he was “very disappointed” after China blocked the arrival of the virologists. “Two members [of the team] had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute,” Mr Tedros said. He added that the WHO had been in contact with Chinese officials who said they would expedite the visa approvals procedure. More than 86m people have been infected worldwide by coronavirus, which has claimed over 1.8m lives. Huang Yanzhong, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, said: “This is certainly a bad omen for the upcoming WHO investigation in China. It’s not like the arrival was unexpected.” China maintains that it welcomes the investigation, which will primarily focus on identifying when, where and how the Sars-Cov-2 virus that causes Covid-19 made the jump from animals to humans.
Ryanair calls for faster vaccine rollout amid “draconian” travel restrictions
Budget airline Ryanair has called on the UK and Irish governments to accelerate their COVID-19 vaccination programmes. The airline, which has reported that it now expects January traffic to fall to under 1.25 million passengers as a result of the new lockdown measures in both countries, has labelled the travel restrictions as “draconian”. The firm has also estimated that the new restrictions could also reduce February and March traffic to 500,000 passengers each month. In response, Ryanir plans to ‘significantly’ cut its flight schedules from January 21, which will see “few, if any” flights being operated to and from the UK and Ireland until restrictions are lifted.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock presents the case for tier 5 restrictions to Parliament
As England moved into a period of tighter restrictions in a bid to slow infection rates and lessen the burden on an already stretched NHS, Matt Hancock presented the case to MPs in the House of Commons. The Office for National Statistics has reported that 1 in 50 of the population has the disease – some with symptoms, some without.
“The latest figures show that we have 30,074 COVID patients in UK hospitals – and that the NHS is under significant pressure. Admissions are now higher than at any point in the pandemic. And so, on Monday, all 4 UK Chief Medical Officers recommended we move the country to COVID-19 alert level 5. In practice, this means they believe that, without action, there is a ‘material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed’. It’s for this reason that we have placed England into a national lockdown, alongside action taken in each of the devolved nations.
And every single citizen needs to take steps to control this new variant, and this personal responsibility is important, and to give the NHS a fighting chance to do its vital work – of saving lives – it is on all of us to support them. These regulations set out that everyone must stay at home, save for a limited number of reasons permitted in law, including:
- essential shopping
- work – if you cannot reasonably do so from home
- education or childcare – if eligible to attend
- medical needs – including getting a COVID test or getting vaccinated
- exercise
- escaping domestic abuse
- and for support bubbles, where people are eligible
These regulations are based on the existing Tier 4 regulations, with some additional measures, which reinforce the stay at home imperative. Read the full statement
Oral statement on new COVID-19 regulations
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19 regulations: 6 January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement to the House of Commons.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Wilmslow Town Council updates lockdown information for residents
The town council has updated its Covid Assitance Information following the introduction of a third national lockdown on 4th January.
Alderley Park Lighthouse Labs process six millionth sample
After handling the six millionth sample over the festive period, scientists at the Cheshire lab have now conducted the equivalent of nearly one test for every 10 people in the UK. The site is one of three special testing facilities set up across the UK in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and now has capacity to process over 500,000 tests for the virus each day.
BREXIT:
A deal with the EU has been reached and businesses should take action now. A deal with the EU has been reached and businesses should take action to ensure that their business operations can run smoothly as new rules apply. Businesses should prioritise taking any actions as soon as possible in the new year.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 7 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.
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated guidance in line with national lockdown and updated guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
Getting financial help and staying safe at work
Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working – and find out how to stay safe at work.
Deadline for December furlough claims to HMRC Thursday??? ?14 January.For December payments you can claim before, during or after you process your payroll but claims must be submitted no later than Thursday 14th December.
As a reminder, the UK Government will pay 80% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, until the end of April 2021.
What you need to do now:
- Check if you’re eligible and work out how much you can claim using our CJRS calculator and examples, by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV?.UK.
- Submit any claims for December no later than Thursday?? 14?? January.
- Keep records that support the amount of CJRS grant you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them. ?
If you have already submitted your claims for December but find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough, you can do this until Thursday?? 28?? January. To find out how to amend your claim, Get help with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on GOV??.UK. You can find everything you need to know about CJRS on GOV???.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’. For further support watch HMRC live webinars which offer more support on changes to CJRS, and how they affect you. To book online, or to view updated guidance, go to GOV????.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’. If you’re booked on a webinar but no longer able to attend, please cancel your place where possible to allow space for others to register. The quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV????.UK.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Providers of grassroots sport and sport facilities – Updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
COMMUNITY:
New skills campaign set to boost nation’s prospects
A number of the UK’s leading employers have put their weight behind the An Hour to Skill campaign, encouraging the nation to dedicate an hour a week to online learning through the government’s Skills Toolkit scheme. An Hour to Skill is a new campaign which aims to boost the nation’s skills and job prospects by inspiring people to set aside just one hour a week for online learning by taking a free course from The Skills Toolkit. These online courses aim to further develop skills that employers are looking for, such as communicating effectively at work and practical maths, as well as boosting digital skills or building a professional online presence.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19 – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
Guidance on searching for archaeological finds in England during COVID-19
Guidance for members of the public (including metal-detectorists) searching for archaeological finds in England during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsors
This is advice for Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsors in the UK who are sponsoring those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – altered guidance surrounding students deferring their studies for periods in excess of 60 days.
COVID-19: guidance for those leading a nomadic way of life
Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) for those leading a nomadic way of life – updated guidance in line with the national lockdown announced on 3 January.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
Information on social distancing
EDUCATION:
School attendance: guidance for schools
Updated to reflect the temporary disapplication of offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fifth notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Education Secretary statement to Parliament on national lockdown
Gavin Williamson statement to Parliament on closure of education settings during national lockdown
Education Secretary outlines plans to support young people
Pupils to receive set number of hours of remote education each day and Ofsted to inspect where it has concerns
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for social care staff
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for social care staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff.
Prioritising the first COVID-19 vaccine dose: JCVI statement
Statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) about increasing the short-term impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: advice from the JCVI, 30 December 2020
Advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination – update to footnote 2: the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorised in those aged 16 years and over. The AstraZeneca vaccine is only authorised for use in those aged 18 years and over.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect guidance on shielding: clinically extremely vulnerable people should now shield at home.
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated guidance in line with national lockdown and updated guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated ‘Care home testing guidance for residents and staff: PCR and LFD (England)’ to add information on using handheld scanners and registering tests in bulk.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 24 December to 30 December
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 31 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
Updated to reflect changes in the reporting of positivity rates and lateral flow tests.
NHS Test and Trace: privacy information
Sets out how the NHS Test and Trace programme in England uses personal data and what your rights are.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
MILITARY:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
Summary on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 – added the COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces for 7 January 2021.
PROPERTY:
Boris Johnson confirms eviction ban is “under review”
The Prime Minister has told MPs that the eviction ban effectively in place now but scheduled to expire on January 11 is officially “under review.” Boris Johnson made the commitment to the review yesterday afternoon after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded the government to extend the eviction ban “which is due to run out in just five days”. Johnson offered no further details of the review nor when it would be concluded and how it might be put in place.
RETAIL:
8.4% revenue drop for Marks and Spencer under Q3 “Covid clouds”
Retailer Marks and Spencer has reported a decrease in revenue during its third quarter alongside new lockdown measures. In a trading statement covering the 13 weeks up to December 26, the firm saw a drop in group revenue of 8.4 per cent. The company has attributed the dip to the national lockdown and increased restrictions introduced in England in November last year. Despite the overall decrease, Marks and Spencer saw a 47.5 per cent rise in online sales of its clothing and homeware.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for the public and sport providers
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for safe provision including team sport, contact combat sport and organised sport events
This guidance sets out information on grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions including the team sport framework, contact combat sport framework, and advice on organised sport participation events – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Performing arts – Updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU. 7 more haulier advice and information sites are now offering COVID testing: Charnock Richard Services northbound, Truck Haven (Carnforth), the Stockyard Truckstop Rotherham, Woodall northbound, Leicester Forest East northbound, Beaconsfield and Sutton Scotney northbound.
COVID-19 testing for HGV drivers using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel
How HGV drivers get their COVID-19 test before leaving the UK for France – COVID testing is now open at more haulier advice sites.
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 – latest data table added.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vehicles – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for more information.
TRAVEL:
Government confirms travel agents eligible for lockdown grant payments
The government has confirmed retail travel agents are eligible for Localised Restrictions Support Grants (LSRGs), a move Abta hopes will end the “post code lottery” some agents experienced when seeking support during the previous Covid lockdown. New government guidance explicitly references retail travel agents as being among businesses required by law to close in areas of England subject to Tier 4 Covid lockdown restrictions, which came into law on Wednesday (6 January).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – added information on Occupational Structured Clinical Examination deadline extension.
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