July 31st – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 302,301 have tested positive + 846 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 45,999 across all settings + 38

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 -4% to -1% as of 24 July 2020.

UK HEADLINES:

BREAKING: Boris Johnson delivers media conference following announcement of local restrictions

In a media conference, Boris Johnson has announced that government will be “squeezing the brake pedal” on further easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Reopening of “higher risk” venues, such as leisure centres, bowling alleys, casinos and live performances, will not go ahead as originally planned for 1st August. This will be reviewed fortnightly.
Pilot sporting events will also not go ahead.
Advice on face coverings has been extended to museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship. This will come into law from 8th August. An increased police presence to enforce the wearing of face coverings was also announced.
Guidance to employers on reopening workplaces is unchanged. The Prime Minister recognised the huge lengths businesses had gone to in order to adapt workplaces.
No changes to advice to those “shielding” in England, with that advice ending on 1st August.

Rise in coronavirus cases brings new restrictions for Greater Manchester, East Lancs and West Yorks
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases.

New restrictions, which will be legally enforceable, mean people in some areas of the North including Greater Manchester will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens with some exemptions for the vulnerable.

Data from Public Health England and the JBC suggests transmission among households is a key infection pathway in the area.

In a press conference from Boris Johnson and Prof Chris Whitty, it was confirmed household transmission was driving the rise in infections. As a result, businesses and workplaces may remain open.

Positive coronavirus test now requires 10 day self-isolation
People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven.

The change, announced by the UK’s chief medical officers, comes as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with COVID-19 who are mildly ill and are recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between 7 and 9 days after illness onset.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty:

We have considered how best to target interventions to reduce risk to the general population and consider that at this point in the epidemic, with widespread and rapid testing available and considering the relaxation of other measures, it is now the correct balance of risk to extend the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result. This will help provide additional protection to others in the community. This is particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission.

Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on extension of self-isolation period: 30 July 2020
The self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those in the community who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result.

Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 30 July 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society, including online price changes data. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice to modify registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Surge in UK people actively avoiding the news
New research shows that Covid-19 has caused increased numbers of the UK population to actively avoid the news

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 restaurant finder tool now shows results within a 5 mile radius of the postcode used.

UK Government further boosts chances of UK receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Deal announced which will secure early access to a promising new coronavirus vaccine, enhancing the UK’s growing portfolio of vaccine candidates.

Arts Council launches £500 million Culture Recovery Fund

This fund will provide significant and much needed support to help organisations stay afloat and get through the next nine months. Grants of anywhere between £50,000 – £3 million are available, and applications can be made in one of two funding rounds, the first of which will open on 10 August and close on 21 August. Approximately 75% of the overall budget is expected to be allocated to the first round. A second round will open on 21 August and close on 4 September. The criteria for the fund have been set by DCMS and has a wider scope than traditionally covered, including commercial organisations. As well as cultural organisations, Local Authorities, Universities, MEHs, CPPs and other Public Sector bodies who run or maintain cultural services can also apply – what’s important is that the organisation is culturally significant (at a national or international level) and/or contributing to providing cultural opportunity in England. Arts Council will not be offering advice to potential applicants about their applications. A blog about how Arts Council plan to use their funding programmes to complement the government’s package can be read here.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Government announces grants for UK and North West businesses
Thousands of smaller businesses in England are set to benefit from £20 million of new government funding to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Small and medium sized businesses across the North West are set to benefit from £3.6m in new grants as they restart and recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has announced. Simon Clarke, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, said grants of £1,000 to £5,000 per business will be available for firms in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and the Liverpool City Region to pay for specialist advice such as legal, human resources and financial expertise. Businesses can also buy small pieces of equipment that they need to help them recover from the effects of the pandemic. Growth Hubs around England will support local businesses and local communities to access the funding.

‘Streamlined’ process for al fresco dining application
The new online application process is part of Cheshire East Council’s approach to supporting town centres and the local hospitality sector following the pandemic.

North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.

AGRICULTURE:

Dairy Response Fund 2020
The Dairy Response Fund 2020 provides support to eligible dairy farmers in England who produce cows’ milk. They can apply for a one-off payment.

COMMUNITY:

COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

COVID-19: guidance for first responders
Advice for first responders (as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act) and others where close contact may be required as part of their normal duties – updated the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for individuals in the community with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.

Beat the rush by getting your MOT done this summer
Motorists are being encouraged to bring their MOT forward if it’s due in September, October or November 2020, to help beat the expected rush for tests.

Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person – updated to reflect the extension of self-isolation from 7 to 10 days.

Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 31 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 July to 26 July 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain

COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated link to information on local restrictions.

CONSTRUCTION:

Build UK contractor members have battled through the coronavirus outbreak and maintained an average of 36 days to pay invoices in the first half of the year.

On average, main contractors now pay 92% of their invoices within 60 days and 75% within terms. Murphy, Vinci and Morgan Sindall rank as the industry’s top three prompt payers, paying invoices in 25-27 days. They are joined by Mace, Osborne and Amey as the half dozen main contractors paying within 30 days. Among the industry major commercial clients Landsec and British Land achieved 17 days averages, with Bellway and Barratt leading the house builders at 25 and 26 days.

EDUCATION:

Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – updated advice for mergers and franchising arrangements.

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020 – added details about the attached ‘Awarding organisation results information’.

Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a fourth notice for August 2020.

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020 – updated VTQ guidance for centres and awarding organisation data information added.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Coronavirus and the economic impacts on UK: 30 July 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19).Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.

If you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what you need to do if you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. ‘If you have not claimed enough’ section amended to clarify that before 31 July, you must make sure to include all eligible employees on claims that you still need to make for periods up to 30 June.

Job Retention Bonus
Find out more information about the eligibility requirements and what employers need to do now to claim the bonus. Full guidance will be published by the end of September.

Further details of the Job Retention Bonus announced
Further details of how jobs will be protected through the government’s new Job Retention Bonus were unveiled by HMRC today.

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) – Updated guidance to include the temporary flexibility to allow apprenticeship certificates to be sent to an alternative address and the end point assessment (EPA) flexibilities that are extended until the end of the year.

BT launches new scheme to support SMEs with post COVID-19 growth
Telecoms firm BT Group has announced the launch of a new scheme to support UK SMEs to grow following the disruption caused by COVID-19.
The group’s Enterprise division has launched BT Small Business Support Scheme to support small businesses across the country that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came as the group released its results for the three months up to June 30, in which the group saw a revenue drop of 7 per cent.

COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) – changed stay at home period from 7 to 10 days.

Coronavirus in Defence
Summary of statistics 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.

ENVIRONMENT:

Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic – Offices and applying for a permit sections updated.

HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:

Developing NHS Test and Trace: business plan
Sets out the next steps in the development of the NHS Test and Trace service and priorities for the next 3 to 6 months.

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 16 July to 22 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 8 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.

Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
Summary statistics 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.

NHS Test and Trace launches campaign to encourage everyone with symptoms to get a free test
NHS Test and Trace will launch the new campaign alongside a new business plan to expand testing capacity and prepare the nation for winter.

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. The methodology has been updated to clarify what is meant by ‘newly’ tested as well as expanding detail on study samples excluded from turnaround times.

HOSPITALITY:

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.

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.

JUDICIARY:

Preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention
Information for prisons and other prescribed places of detention on coronavirus (COVID-19) – changed isolation period from 7 to 10 days.

Video enabled criminal hearings: guidance for defence practitioners
Guidance for defence practitioners when participating in video enabled criminal hearings – information on prison to court video links in magistrates’ courts added.

LEGAL:

Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Local restrictions and managing a local outbreak; Next Steps Accommodation Programme launched; Visiting care homes during coronavirus; Draft options for regional or local coronavirus interventions; the Government’s approach to managing local coronavirus outbreaks; Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus.

PROPERTY:

Never Knowingly Let – John Lewis moves into Build to Rent
Tenants who want to pop downstairs to the shop may soon be able to do so – thanks to the John Lewis Partnership. The company is exploring the possibility of converting some of its retail estate to private rented housing as part a strategy to regrow the business in the wake of the Coronavirus. In a letter sent to 80,000 John Lewis and Watrose staff, the chairwoman of the company – Sharon White – says converting some stores or parts of stores to housing is under consideration.

Tenants numbers up as lettings market bounce back continues
The number of new prospective tenants has risen markedly according to figures from ARLA Propertymark. In June – the latest data available – the average branch registered 79 new tenants compared to 70 in May. Year-on-year, this figure is the highest recorded by ARLA for the month of June; in 2019 the June figure was itself the previous record, of 71. However, the latest surge is still down on pre-lockdown levels when there was an average of 82 prospective tenants registered per branch in February.

TRANSPORT:

Payments to passenger rail operators, March to June 2020
A summary of franchise payments made by the Department for Transport (DfT) to train operating companies (TOCs) from March to June 2020 under emergency measures agreements (EMAs).

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.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

ABTA urges everyone to get behind #savetravel campaign
It is also clear the industry will need tailored support from government to save jobs and businesses, and it is therefore very welcome that TTG has launched its #SaveTravel campaign to raise awareness and campaign for help. Abta is very glad to lend our full support. Since the start of this crisis Abta has been in a constant dialogue with Ministers and officials across the many departments that influence decisions affecting the travel industry, as well as MPs across parliament. We launched our Save Future Travel campaign in April, which saw 25,500 emails sent to MPs by those working in travel and consumers, raising awareness across parliament and government of the challenges the industry faces. The campaign has been very useful in terms of informing MPs about what is happening, and why, and in reducing the level of criticism that the industry has faced during what has been a very difficult time for relations between travel companies and our valued customers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from border rules in the UK
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new border rules in the UK introduced due to coronavirus – healthcare workers removed from list.

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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – Luxembourg removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 31 July 2020.

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 – updated to clarify for those whose visa or leave expires before 31 August 2020.

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 – 11^th 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:

Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries

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.