May 13th – Coronavirus News Updates

Latest data:

Testing: 2,007,146 tests have now taken place + 85,293 yesterday

Positive tests: 226,463 people have tested positive + 3,403 on previous day

Loss of life: 32,692 people have died across all settings, 627 more deaths since the previous day’s figures

Government Daily Briefing

Update from Tuesday 12^th May by the Business Secretary, Alok Sharma:

Reiterated the new 5 levels that dictate the time line for easing lockdown
Published new guidance for going Back to Work safely including downloadable templates
4 month extension of the Job Retention Scheme with new guidelines
New slides presented demonstrate data including compliance to social distancing rules, testing and new cases, number of Covid-19 deaths after testing positive, deaths where Covid-19 was suspected but not confirmed, hospital data showing estimated admissions into hospital / critical care beds occupied (currently 22%) and number of people in hospital with Covid-19 by region.

Business Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 12 May 2020
Business Secretary Alok Sharma gave the 12 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 12 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP and Professor Stephen Powis.

Update from Monday 11^th May by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson:

Stay Alert replaces government’s former direction to Stay at Home
Introduced a first sketch of a road map to recovery
Details to be set out in 60 page document
Production of Back to Work guidance
PM presented his strategy using slides
Recommending wearing of face cover indoors

Press conference slides used by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Sunday 10^th May, Update from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson:

Stay Alert replaces government’s former direction to Stay at Home
Introduced a first sketch of a road map to recovery
Details to be set out in 50 page document available from 2pm today
Plan conditional on meeting 5 test criteria: protect the NHS, sustained fall in death rates, sustained fall in rate of infection, ample supply of PPE and the R rate of the disease must stay below 1 – currently between 0.5 – 0.9
Establishment of a new Covid Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre
5 new alert levels – level 1 means disease is no longer in the UK to level 5 where the NHS would likely be overwhelmed
Lockdown was level 4; now beginning steps to move to level 3
Testing and tracing remain critical
Ability to detect local flare-ups as well as giving a national picture
Those who can’t work from home should be actively encouraged to return to work, avoiding public transport
From this Wednesday, 13^th May, unlimited amount of outdoor exercise
Sit in parks, drive to other destinations, play sports only with members of the same household
Obey rules on social distancing – increase in fines if rules broken
Daily monitoring of the R rate
1^st June – phased re-opening of shops / some school years returning
July – possible re-opening of hospitality industry, subject to social distancing
Imposing quarantine on people arriving in the UK from abroad

PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 10 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on coronavirus

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 7 May 2020

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 8 May 2020

HEADLINE NEWS:

UK Furlough Scheme extended to October

BBC: Workers will continue to receive 80% of their wages but the cost will be shared with employers from the end of July.
The Chancellor said the government backed workers and companies going into the lockdown, and would support them coming out. Mr Sunak confirmed that employees will continue to receive 80% of their monthly wages up to £2,500. But he said the government will ask companies to “start sharing” the cost of the scheme from August.

BBC: UK economy shrinks by 2% in Q1
The chancellor has said it is “very likely” the UK is in a “significant recession”, as figures show the economy contracting at the fastest pace since the financial crisis. Rishi Sunak told the BBC that just “a few days of impact from the virus” in March pushed the economy into decline.

Lockdown eases in England as more businesses open today and ‘stay at home’ restrictions lifted. From today:

Self Employed Income Support Scheme grant applications open today
Garden centres are allowed to open
Sports such as golf, tennis and angling where social distancing can be maintained, are now permitted
The housing market is being re-opened as estate agents are allowed to open, viewings can take place, house purchases can complete and removal companies can get back to work as lockdown affected 450,000 transactions
Childminders are able to open to look after children from the same household
People who are unable to work from home are encouraged to return to work
Where possible, people are encouraged to avoid public transport
Face coverings are recommended to be worn inside shared spaces and on public transport
People in England are able to spend unlimited time outside their home exercising or resting
Restrictions on how far people can travel have been relaxed
One person can meet one other person from a different household outside, staying 2 metres apart
Fines for breaking the rules start at £100 rising to £3,200 for repeat offenders

Latest news available at BBC and on Government website

Government announces £14m fund to HSE for safe working
£14m has been made available to the Health and Safety Executive, which is an increase of 10% of its budget and will be used as needed for extra call centre employees, inspectors and equipment.

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. The roadmap will be kept constantly under review as the epidemic, and the world’s understanding of it, develops.
Published 11 May 2020

Alongside the plan, three sets of guidance have been published covering staying safe outside your home, staying alert and safe (social distancing) and how to wear and make a cloth face covering.

New guidance launched to help get Brits safely back to work
Government publishes guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely.
Published 11 May 2020

Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Updated frequently asked questions – FAQs – on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak, bringing them in line with the latest announcements.

Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces
The public is advised to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
Published 11 May 2020

Latest Government guidance on which businesses can be open HERE

Government expands expert team to rapidly roll out coronavirus test and trace programme
The government has announced the expansion of the expert team leading on the rapid nationwide roll-out of the coronavirus (COVID-19) test and trace programme.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Manchester Airport – grants to community groups responding to Coronavirus crisis
Airport Trust Fund encourages applications from organisations providing support during pandemic; Grants of up to £3k available; Special meeting to be held to ensure speedy payment. Grassroots organisations helping communities through the Coronavirus lockdown can apply for grants through a special fund set up by Manchester Airport.

CHARITIES:

Domestic abuse charities can apply for vital funds
Charities can bid for a share of £10 million funding to support victims of domestic abuse.

COMMUNITY:

New guidance on spending time outdoors
Details on a range of outdoor activities which will be allowed in England from 13 May 2020 subject to social distancing rules.

CONSTRUCTION:

Prime Minister urges construction industry to get back to work

Boris Johnson said construction workers should be “actively encouraged” to return to sites this week as he outlined plans to ease the lockdown. The Prime Minister highlighted construction as he announced plans to restart the economy while containing the spread of covid-19: “We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.”

Government publishes “Covid-19 secure” site guidelines
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “This guidance provides a framework to get the UK back to work in a way that is safe for everyone. “These are practical steps to enable employers to identify risks that Covid-19 creates and to take pragmatic measures to mitigate them.”

House building sites allowed to work longer hours
The Government has given the all clear for sites to stay open longer to cater for staggered arrivals and departures from the site. One of a raft of measures to get the housing market back up to speed including re-opening show homes, estate agents and removal firms.

JCB resumes production at 5 factories
JCB is resuming low-level production at five of its UK factories as a comprehensive package of safety measures is rolled out to protect factory workers in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

EDUCATION:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings
A summary of how many children and teachers attended education and childcare settings since Monday 23 March – updated COVID-19 attendance in education settings data and added Coronavirus (COVID-19) attendance in education settings: 8 May 2020 summary

Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Added an initial planning framework for schools in England to next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings.

National Foundation for Educational Research launches Covid-19 Teacher survey
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is undertaking national research to understand and address the impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on education and on learners. The work is funded by the Nuffield Foundation and NFER. It will consist of two online surveys taking place in May and June 2020. All primary and secondary schools in England will be invited to take part, as well as teachers and senior leaders on its Teacher Voice panel.

Conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for special schools, specialist colleges, local authorities and any other settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) – updated to reflect the SEND regulations changes. Also added information about how the guidance affects children/young people with an EHC plan and a social worker and new information on how to keep staff and pupils safe and reduce the risk of infection in educational settings.

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment – updated to include new sections on high needs funding for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and traineeship flexibilities. It also includes updates on functional skills flexibility in apprenticeships and acceptance of confirmation emails for qualification achievement from awarding organisations.

Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings.

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Added information for parents and carers about the wider opening to nurseries, schools and colleges from 1 June to information for parents and carers about the wider opening of nurseries, schools and colleges, transport, attendance, free school meals and remote education.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Added a link to information about opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June to guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Added link to guidance on ‘Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020’ in the ‘Overarching guidance for educational settings’ section. Also added link to guidance on ‘implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings’ in the ‘COVID-19 infection prevention and control’ section.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS FINANCE:

Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This document provides guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures.

Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced
Tuesday 12 May 2020

Government Covid-19 loan schemes reach £15 billion
The three major government-backed lending schemes have provided almost £15bn to more than 304,000 businesses so far, according to new figures.
A total of £8.38bn has been approved to 268,173 businesses through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) in the week since it launched. This represents an average of more than 38,000 loans being approved each day.
Elsewhere, lenders have provided £6.1bn to 35,919 companies through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Finally, figures for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) show £359m was approved to 59 mid-sized and larger UK businesses. The number of applications is lower than for CBILS and BBLS but the average value of each loan is higher at more than £6m.

Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee
Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen has announced.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer public places – urban centres and green spaces
Guidance for the owners and operators of urban centres and green spaces to help social distancing.

Government announces roadmap taskforces
New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely.

Centre for Assessment: Back to work Risk Assessment Support

As you consider how to manage the risks associated with people going back to work following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, we are here to support you.

Lenders provide £5.5billion to SMEs through CBIL scheme

UK Finance has revealed £5.5bn has now been lent to SMEs through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Of this, £1.4bn was lent in the week from 29 April to 6 May, with the number of approved loans growing by 8,550 to 33,812 over this period. Of the 62,674 applications made to the scheme, 33,812 have now been approved.

Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
The Government have published a revised guide that is clearer and includes recent additions to the process and information that employers need to provide to claim for their employees’ wages. They have also added a ‘save & return’ option. If you’ve claimed a grant through the scheme, you should check if you need to report payments on the PAYE Real Time Information System. HMRC are also running webinars to guide you through the application process

Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added a new section to guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, linking to general government guidance for different workplaces.

New partnership to sequence human genomes in fight against coronavirus
Thousands of patients severely ill with coronavirus will have their genetic code studied to help scientists understand whether a person’s genetics may influence their susceptibility to the virus.

COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Updated guidance on sharing information with others, residual risk of infection from the deceased and the use of body bags, and the use of PPE for those who are responsible for care of the deceased added to advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Staying safe outside your home
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible.

Government launches new portal for care homes to arrange coronavirus testing
All care home staff and residents are now eligible for testing with priority for those in homes that look after the over-65s.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): health and wellbeing of the adult social care workforce
Advice for those working in adult social care on managing your mental health and how employers can take care of the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus outbreak.

A large UK study on the outcomes of 427 pregnant women and their babies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK has been published today.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have responded to a UKOSS study of more than 400 pregnant women that found pregnant woman are at no greater risk of a coronavirus-related severe illness than the non-pregnant population but that a disproportionate number of pregnant women admitted to hospital with coronavirus were from a black or other minority ethnic background. Dr Edward Morris, of the RCOG, said: ‘Addressing health inequalities is a key strategic priority for the RCOG and we continue to urge the Government to tackle these across women’s health as a matter of urgency.’

Millions more items of PPE for frontline staff from new business partnerships
NHS and social care staff in the UK are set to receive millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) over the coming months thanks to new collaborations with a number of organisations. Corrections: Ineos is delivering around 174,000 bottles of hand sanitiser a week. Survitec is a life-saving product technology company.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
The guidance attachment and the Q&A attachment have been updated to make sure they’re consistent with the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission. Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE – updated for advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support.

Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund
This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work. Applications open to 21^st May

PHE publishes a weekly COVID-19 epidemiology surveillance summary.
The report includes data from a variety of different sources: community, primary care, secondary care, virology and mortality surveillance data. Combined these sources show a wider community picture including a breakdown by age, gender, ethnicity and geography, which will help plan the national response to the pandemic and assist regional stakeholders in local planning. The surveillance summary is available and each week’s report is accompanied by an infographic.

IT:

Countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The Minister of State for Security writes to industry partners on countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

LEISURE:

Protocols for the safe reopening of hospitality venues UKHospitality has announced that it will be publishing a number of protocols which aim to ensure the safe reopening of hospitality venues. It will share them with other stakeholders in the sector to enable them to be further developed. Its aim is that businesses will use them to help draw up their own unique plans and that they will feed into the Government’s own plans.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) related deaths by occupation, England and Wales
The Office for National Statistics has released statistics on coronavirus-related deaths by occupation figures. They showed that working in lower-skilled occupations were found to have significantly higher mortality rates than people in higher skilled roles and women made up 75% of workers in the highest exposure risk occupations, and a fifth of workers in the highest exposure risk occupations are in black and minority ethnic communities.

Responding to the ONS figures on coronavirus-related deaths by occupation, the Health Foundation said: ‘Today’s ONS figures add further to our understanding of why those in lower socioeconomic groups and in black and minority ethnic communities are at significantly greater risk of death from COVID-19… As the Government begins to revise its lockdown measures, this data should provide further direction to ensure appropriate measures are urgently put into place to protect groups at greater risk of exposure to the virus, for example, providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where appropriate.’

MANUFACTURING:

Manufacturing: Our road to recovery – the 3 point plan

Make UK has published a three-point plan, calling on Government to allow manufacturers the time to scale up operations and recover by extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in a more flexible form – utilising part time or short time working patterns – during the critical rebuilding phase.

MARKETING / COMMS:

How the Covid-19 outbreak is impacting on marketing, media and technology sectors
The harsh realities of the pandemic and new ways companies are finding of thriving:
Visit Blackpool has rebranded as Do Not Visit Blackpool; 40 agencies team up for fundraising event and the extension to the furlough scheme has been welcomed by the Advertising Association

RETAIL:

BRC: Government should let retailers decide when they are ready to re-open
The BRC has called on the Government to reconsider any plans for phasing the reopening of retail stores. The Times has today published a letter by the BRC which argues that safety and a risk-based approach should be the key basis for making decisions on reopening rather than size of stores. This call comes ahead of the expected publication of plans to ease lockdown restrictions over the coming days.

The Horticultural Trades Association has welcomed the reopening of garden centres, describing it as a ‘positive economic move’ and one with benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
It says it has asked for ‘urgent talks’ with the Scottish Government about reopening there, warning that at present the public will be confused and the Scottish industry left disadvantaged. It also warns that the sector will still need a ‘rescue package’ and talks on this with the Government will continue.

PROPERTY:

What does Covid-19 look like for property investors in the North?
TheBusinessDesk.com in partnership with Bevan Brittan seeks to explore the impacts of the current crisis on property investment across the Northern Powerhouse in its latest exclusive webinar on Tuesday 19^th May at 10am

Conveyancers and removers join agents on ‘Back To Work Day’
“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals. Our step-by-step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so” Jenrick says.

TRAVEL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): transport and travel guidance
Guidance for safer travel and safer transport operations during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic added to information for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance for safer travel and safer transport operations during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

UK announces more flights to bring stranded Brits home from India
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has announced five further flights to bring stranded British travellers home from India.

£2 billion package to create new era for cycling and walking
Alternative ways to travel, such as walking and cycling across the UK, could relieve the pressure on public transport.

Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

British Gurkhas and UK Government rescue mission to help stranded Brits in Nepal
British Gurkhas in Nepal have helped to rescue 109 Brits stranded in remote areas across the country so they could return home on Government charter flights.

All passengers departing or arriving through any of Manchester Airports Group asked to cover their faces and wear gloves.
Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports become the first in the UK to implement such measures, which the group says are designed to combat the spread of coronavirus and demonstrate ways air travel can be made safe as passenger demand returns. Passengers are being encouraged to bring their own gloves and face coverings, although in the early stages of the trial, the airport will be able to provide PPE for those unable to supply their own.

Useful links:

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.

Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk

Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:

News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus

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