Latest UK data:
Total tests: 13,974,097 tests have been taken or mailed out + 207,614
Positive tests: 297,146 have tested positive + 769 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,554 across all settings + 53
*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pillar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 and the growth rate range is -5% to -1% as of 17 July 2020.
UK HEADLINES:
Over £100 million cash boost to manufacture millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine
New state-of-the-art centre to scale up COVID-19 vaccine and gene therapy manufacturing gets £100 million investment.
£589m confirmed to kickstart rail upgrades across the transpennine routes
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today (July 23) confirmed £589m to kickstart work on the Transpennine main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. The majority of the funding, £589 million, will be spent of commencing work on the Transpennine route between Manchester and Leeds. Work will include completing full electrification of the route, create capacity for longer trains, and double congested sections of the route to four tracks, increasing capacity for local services and shortening journey times for fast trains allowing for greater interconnectivity between Northern cities. This is alongside the establishment of a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council, dedicated to accelerating vital infrastructure projects and better connecting communities across the North’s towns and cities. The most congested section of the route will be doubled from two to four tracks, allowing fast trains to overtake slower ones, improving journey times and reliability for passengers across the North.
Face coverings now compulsory in shops banks and take-aways
The wearing of face coverings is now compulsory in shops, banks and take-aways. Minister Brandon Lewis said face coverings would be mandatory when purchasing takeaway food and drink, but not if you are eating at the premises.
“If you are going into a takeaway and you are eating in somewhere that’s got a takeaway, then that is like hospitality. You are eating – it’s not practical to wear a face mask, we recognise that, but if you are going in to buy a product and leaving again, then you are treating it like a shop and you should be wearing a face mask.” Some retailers – notably Sainsbury’s, Asda and Costa Coffee – say they won’t enforce the rules, however. And, while Greggs and McDonald’s say takeaway customers must wear them, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls says food outlets had “a very short time to properly brief staff, prepare signage and take steps to encourage compliance”, given the rules came into force just 12 hours after fresh guidance was issued.
Police will be able to “use force” to remove customers from shops if they do not wear face coverings, according to the College of Policing. But forces have said they will enforce the rules only as a last resort.
Face coverings mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday
Face coverings must be worn in additional enclosed public spaces from 24 July in England, as the government takes further steps to help curb the spread of the virus.
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one – updated with information about face mask exemptions
Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter
Providers will work to vaccinate more than 30 million people during this flu season – millions more than received it last year.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council expresses new concerns over funding from government
Cheshire East Council has again warned that funding from central government is not sufficient to cover the forecasted impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the borough’s finances.
The government recently announced the allocation of a further £500m emergency funding for councils across England. Cheshire East Council’s allocation is £2.7 million, bringing the total amount of Covid-19 additional emergency funding for Cheshire East to £22.4 million.
More than 50,000 businesses across the North West are operating under significant financial distress, according to new data released by Begbies Traynor.
The firm’s latest Red Flag Alert data for Q2 2020 has recorded a 9 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of distressed companies. Since the beginning of the pandemic, an additional 3,357 have brought the total to 51,010. Greater Manchester is now home to 21,442 troubled companies, while Merseyside has 7,413. Begbies Traynor believe the rise could have been much higher, were it not for reduced court activity due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has substantially reduced the number of CCJs and other legal action being taken against indebted companies.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) Statement on Jet Zero Council
The UK’s Jet Zero Council met for the very first time on Wednesday (22 July) to discuss wide-ranging plans to “decarbonise” the UK’s embattled aviation sector.
Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:
Today’s first Jet Zero Council is a real and important milestone on the road to the UK aviation industry becoming net zero carbon by 2050. Today’s meeting demonstrated the progress that is being made in developing new technologies and new sustainable fuels, and the potential for Government and industry to work together to make the UK a world leader in this area. For our part, MAG has been a leader in making air travel more sustainable and we were the first airport operator in the UK to achieve carbon neutral status across all our operations.
“Through the Jet Zero Council, Government and the aviation industry will produce a framework which will set out how we can decarbonise aviation. This comes following the industry’s own commitment and road map to reaching full net zero carbon by 2050, which was published earlier in the year. We all know that this is a challenging target but one we can achieve by working collaboratively with Government.”
AGRICULTURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Latest News item added about Countryside Stewardship – extension to capital agreements
COMMUNITY:
Get a free NHS test today to check if you have coronavirus
Anyone can now use this testing service if they have coronavirus symptoms. Choose a drive-through or walk-through test centre for a quick test, or order a home test kit
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one.
Coronavirus: driving tests
Check when driving tests and motorcycle tests restart in England, Scotland and Wales, and find out what changes to expect when you take your test – added information about the government’s decision to not extend theory test certificate validity beyond 2 years in the ‘If your theory test certificate expires’ section.
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 – updated with the latest transport advice.
Families and friends to be reunited with loved ones in care homes as visits restart
Care home residents are set to be reunited with friends and family as visits begin again following the publication of new guidance on 22 July.
Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
The service you’ll use to find a restaurant will be available by 31 July.
CONSTRUCTION:
£589m to kickstart rail upgrades across the North
The Government has today committed to spend £589m to kickstart work on the Transpennine main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. The new Northern Transport Acceleration Council chaired by Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps looks set to supersede activities of the Transport for the North body. The Council will hold its first meeting in September.
Construction working hours: guidance
This guidance sets out further detail on the new route for applicants seeking to extend construction site working hours introduced in the Business and Planning Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
EDUCATION:
Local lockdowns: guidance for education and childcare settings
What schools, colleges, nurseries, childminders, early years and other educational settings need to do if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice
Notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure – updated to reflect the change to the guidance on working from home.
Government Support and funding for businessesEmployee Retention Scheme
UK employers are eligible to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those who would otherwise have been laid off during the crisis. Companies can apply for reimbursement of 80% of the salary (with a monthly cap of £2,500 per employee.) Employers should view the guidance before applying for the scheme using the HMRC online portal.
Statutory Sick Pay from HMRC
Companies with less than 250 employees will be able to recover up to two weeks of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid to employees who are off work due to coronavirus.
Employers should keep records of such absences, but a sick note is not required. SSP is only reclaimable where the employee is earning at least £18,000 per annum.
Retail, Leisure and Hospitality business rates holiday plus grants
A £25,000 grant will automatically be offered to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from premises with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. A grant of £10,000 will apply to premises with rateable value below £15,000.
A business rates holiday will be automatically introduced for the 2020-2021 tax year for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. Enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of, the reliefs should be directed to the local authority. Guidance here.
The Business Bounce Back Loan Scheme
The Business Bounce back loan scheme is for small businesses affected by COVID-19. The loan is interest free for the first 12 months and has been designed to be quick and simple to access. Businesses can apply online through a short form.
Business Interruption Loan Scheme
The government will back businesses loans to small and medium sized businesses The government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per-lender cap on claims) Businesses will receive a 6 month holiday on interest payments on these types of loans.
Support for Tax Payments
All business, including self-employed individuals, who are struggling to pay their outstanding tax liabilities may be eligible to receive support via HMRCs “Time to Pay” service.
HMRC will review these on a case-by-case basis and the outcomes are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. HMRC have set up a dedicated helpline for those affected by COVID-19 who, as a result, are concerned about being able to pay taxes due. The HMRC helpline number is 0800 0159 559Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Insolvency Service newsletter: Summer 2020
The summer 2020 edition of our newsletter is now available.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers
Companies House has robust plans in place to maintain services for our customers and protect the welfare of our employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Upload a document service has been updated with the latest release to allow a selection of insolvency forms. Our telephone contact line will reopen from 8:30am on Friday 24 July.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 23 July 2020
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.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending for 2020: First Secretary of State’s letter
Dominic Raab updated the chairs of 3 parliamentary committees on how the government will continue to meet the 0.7% Gross National Income spending commitment for ODA.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated to reflect that under-5s in Scotland can now access testing. Eligibility for NHS and essential worker testing is now the same across the UK.
Deaths involving COVID-19 by local area and socioeconomic deprivation: deaths occurring between 1 March and 30 June 2020
Provisional counts of the number of deaths and age-standardised mortality rates involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) between 1 March and 30 June 2020 in England and Wales. Figures are provided by age, sex, geographies down to local authority level and deprivation indices.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health – added new table of indicators and commentary.
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
Regulatory status of equipment being used to help prevent coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are different regulations which apply to devices and equipment including hand gels and PPE (personal protective equipment)
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 9 July to 15 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 7 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
COVID-19 infection survey, England: provisional results, 24 July 2020
This release provides initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
Excess weight and COVID-19: insights from new evidence
Insights from new evidence on the relationship between excess weight and coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK – added recommendations for the use of face masks in primary care.
Visiting care homes during coronavirus
Guidance for making arrangements for limited visits for care homes with the support of their director of public health.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
Coronavirus and shielding of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 24 June to 6 July 2020
Analysis of clinically extremely vulnerable people (the shielding population) in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including their behaviours and mental and physical well-being.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 9 July to 15 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 7 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports has been updated to include details of the new breakdowns in this week’s release. These include pillar 1 turnaround times, the number of household close contacts, and the time taken for contacts to be reached from the time that the positive case that referred them is transferred to the contact-tracing system. Also included are more details about what a close contact is and how these figures can be used.
HOSPITALITY:
License for outside tables and chairs
A change this week to the Business and Planning Bill enables a more streamlined process of consent to allow cafes, bars and restaurants to obtain a licence to place tables and chairs outside of their premises. The new process provides a cheaper, easier and quicker way for businesses to obtain a licence. This will support businesses to operate safely while social distancing measures remain in place, which will provide much needed income over the summer months and protect as many hospitality jobs as possible.
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated guidance, added easy-to-translate guide and link to posters.
Pavement licences: guidance
Guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – update to include information that businesses can apply the discount to soft drinks and/or packaged snacks, as long as they are for immediate consumption on the premises.
MANUFACTURING:
Kenya: call for bids for personal protective equipment
The British High Commission Nairobi is inviting bids from reputable and competent service providers to supply comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment.
Lloyds: Manufacturing exports fall at record rate
UK manufacturing exports fell sharply during Q2, according to the latest data, with the speed of the decline being the fastest since data collection began in 1996.
The Lloyds Bank International Trade Index hit a low of 34.6 for new manufacturing exports between April and June 2020, representing a drop from 46.8 in Q1.
The previous historic low of 38.8 was recorded in 2009 amid the global financial crisis. Of those to report a downturn in overseas orders, 93 per cent attributed it to the impact of coronavirus, blaming the pandemic for shrinking demand, widespread business closures and delays to export projects. Basic metals (28.3) and automotive (31.5) exports were hit hardest, reflecting a fall in global demand for components and the shutdown of car production in Europe.
PROPERTY:
Planning guidance to accompany the Business and Planning Act 2020
The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. This guidance should be read alongside a number of the planning and licensing measures in the Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
Making current spatial development strategies available digitally: guidance
This guidance outlines mitigation the Greater London Authority (GLA) could undertake corresponding with the publicity requirements for the London Plan in the Business and Planning Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
New tenancies bounce back to pre-pandemic levels
New tenancies recorded by The Deposit Protection Service suggests the market is back almost to its pre-pandemic levels of activity. Data in the service’s latest index show that restrictions on moving home during the second quarter of this year – including only moving in exceptional circumstances and a ban on evictions – correlated with a 32 per cent reduction in new tenancies. New tenancies registered with The DPS fell from just under 60,000 in March to just over 32,000 in April but June saw a swift recovery of just under 56,000 registrations as lockdown measures eased.
NatWest CEO predicts surge in tourism in the North
The CEO of the newly-named NatWest Group has predicted a “resurgence” of the North West’s tourism and hospitality sector following the damage caused by Covid – because more holidaymakers will choose staycations ahead of overseas destinations. Speaking on the day RBS officially changed its name, Alison Rose was asked whether she was optimistic that the sector in cities such as Liverpool and Manchester could recover from the pandemic.
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – guidance updated to reflect changes to wider government and public health advice.
Bellway begins talks to cut 175 staff
The move follows attempts to get its trade contractors to cut rates on jobs by 5% as the house builder tries to cut costs.
Management’s redundancy plans would see nearly 6% of the firm’s 3,000 staff laid off. Bellway said it was having to match its overheads with new lower rates of production because of social distancing restraints.
RETAIL:
New inquiry to examine how high streets can survive the economic and social impact of Covid-19
In their report published last year, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee highlighted the challenges facing high streets and town centres due to competition from online competitors, an unfair taxation regime and fragmented ownership of commercial properties. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed further pressure on shops and businesses. As the country emerges from lockdown, businesses face the challenge of running profitably whilst operating safely and within social distancing guidelines. The MHCLG inquiry will examine long-term consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak on the future of the high street. It is interested in how government can mitigate the economic and social impact and develop policies to ensure high streets remain the centre of local communities. The Committee will look at the impact of existing measures to support the high street, including the business rate holiday, as well as the broader role of taxation in enabling high street businesses to remain viable.
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, published every Wednesday.
Traffic Regulation Orders – Coronavirus
Notices of Traffic Regulation Orders made under temporary provisions applicable during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Manchester Airport Belfast route launches from September
Aer Lingus Regional already operates routes to Dublin and Cork from Manchester, and will add up to four daily return flights to the Northern Irish capital.
COVID-19 travel behaviour during the lockdown
Study into the travel behaviour of people during the lockdown period.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers – update to travel exemptions list. Additional 19 countries and territories added: Laos, Cambodia, Fiji, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Guadeloupe, St Barthelemy, St Martin, St Maarten, Aruba, New Caledonia, Curacao, Cook Islands, British Indian Ocean Territory, Falkland Islands, St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cuna
Daily Visitors to DCMS Sponsored Museums and Galleries
These experimental statistics show the number of daily visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries. For final visitor figures, refer to the monthly report.
Update: travel corridors
From Tuesday 28 July 2020, passengers may not need to self-isolate when arriving in England from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Useful Links:
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
Cheshire East Council – Discretionary Fund
Businesses that have been unable to access other forms of Covid-19 support can apply for grants from a £4.68 million fund.
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS
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.
Cheshire East Council – Business rates grants
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-relief/coronavirus-covid-19-help-for-business-rates-customers.aspx
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