May 27th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest data:

Total tests: 3,681,295 UK tests have been carried out

Positive tests: 265,227 have tested positive – + 2,004 on previous 24 hours

Loss of life: 37,048 across all settings, +134 on previous day’s figures

Government daily briefings:

Tues 26th May

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave the 26 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contracts signed to manufacture 2 billion items of PPE in the UK, and further contracts agreed with over 100 new international suppliers
Thanked assistance of armed forces in logistical challenge of distributing PPE nationwide
Announcement of NHS trial of drug remdesivir to treat Covid-19 patients
No deaths recorded in Northern Ireland for the first day since 18th March.

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 26 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor John Newton.

Fri 22nd to Mon 25th May

£300million additional funding to support new test & trace service
Government outline details of 14 day quarantine for travellers arriving in the UK
Prime Minister sets out timeline for retail to re-open in June
The R number range for the UK is 0.7-1.0 as of 22 May 2020.
Up to £15million to support Citizens Advice service in Scotland
Transport: £283 million to start moving back to a full timetable.
Journey Makers – volunteers recruited to provide guidance to travellers
Rail network – 10 schemes announced to reverse Beeching closures
Plans to provide additional parking on outskirts of towns and cities
Introduction of a £50 bicycle maintenance voucher
£50million boost to support recovery of High Streets
Re-opening of some nursery and early years schools from 1^st June
Some contact for years 10 & 12 pupils with their teachers from 15^th June
Car showrooms and outdoor markets to open from June 1^st
Non-essential retailers to open from 15^th June

PM press conference statement: 25 May 2020

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences – added 25^th May 2020

PM press conference statement: 24 May 2020

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences – Addition of slides and datasets for 24 May 2020.

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 23 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus. Addition of slides and datasets for 22 May.

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 22 May 2020 Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance.

HEADLINES:

Boris Johnson: The way out of lockdown:

Outdoor markets in the UK can reopen from 1 June.
Non-essential retailers to open from 15 June
Social distancing will still be required in all shops
People arriving into the UK from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days
Seasonal workers will instead be allowed to self-isolate on-site while working
£283 million increasing public transport services to ensure people can travel safely
Plans later this week to end new applications for the Job Retention Scheme
Employers will be expected to make contributions to salaries of employees returning part-time.
The Government might allow people to meet with a limited number of relatives or friends from the end of June. This is the “social bubble” system that is being tried in other countries, where you are allowed to socialise always with the same set of people to reduce the risk of infection and facilitate tracking.

BBC: Local lockdowns will be used to suppress ‘flare-ups’, says Hancock

“Local lockdowns” will be introduced to tackle regional outbreaks of coronavirus in England in the future, the health secretary has said. Matt Hancock suggested restrictions will be introduced in areas with “flare-ups”, but not others, as part of a system being put in place. He did not specify a timeframe, but said the measures will be part of the test, track and trace system.

BBC: Government draws up plan to rescue key firms
The UK government has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British companies severely affected by the coronavirus crisis. The Treasury said “last resort” support could be made available if a firm’s failure would “disproportionately harm the UK economy”. The move follows indications that a number of big firms are seeking government help to survive the crisis.

These include Jaguar Land Rover, which is in talks to secure a £1bn loan.

Selected NHS patients to access coronavirus treatment Remdesivir

The anti-viral drug Remdesivir will be made available to patients meeting certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital. The Government is working in collaboration with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to supply the innovative medicine, that has demonstrated promising results in trials, to the NHS.

As part of the government’s commitment to support businesses and individuals, the coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live on GOV.UK
Find out if you can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, by joining the following live webinar. Ask your questions using the on-screen text box. Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme: Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time

Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
We have updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 2 papers on environmental transmission and dispersion.

PM calls with António Guterres and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: 26 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had calls with the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

UK Government sets out a timeline for retail to reopen in June
The UK Government announced today, Monday 25 May 2020, a roadmap for reopening a broader range of shops starting from next month. From 1 June 2020, it intends to allow outdoor markets to reopen, subject to all premises being made COVID-secure, as well as car showrooms, which often have significant outdoor space and where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.

From 15 June 2020, UK Government intends to allow all other retailers, ranging from shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. Updated guidance for the retail sector has been published alongside this announcement, detailing the measures retailers should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards. You can find the guidance here.

A novel way to travel:
Bus, plane… and horseback: How the Foreign Office helped a British traveller return home
Nineteen year old traveller from Eastbourne headed for home on horseback after being stranded on a Patagonian ranch.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Communities in the North West will benefit from more than £46.8m in funding to increase light rail services, regenerate local economies and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the North West has been allocated a share of £225m announced earlier this month, to create new and permanent cycle lanes and reallocate road space to give more room to pedestrians and cyclists. The remaining £25m of emergency funding will be used to help people get their bikes repaired so they can get back to cycling.

Funding major transport and connectivity infrastructure improvements across the north of England can help the region – and the UK – to recover from coronavirus (Covid-19) and level up the country.
These are two of five proposals set out by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership that it believes will help the government to rebalance the economy. The partnership says a YouGov poll of 1,767 people across the North (carried out between 5 and 11 May) shows that the public supports the proposals, as do UK businesses. According to the poll, respondents support greater devolution, around one in two want to see investment in roads, rail and fibre broadband, and eight in 10 wish to see training and education funding boosted. “Central” to economic recovery is improving infrastructure. The High Speed North is expected to outline a way forward for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail to be delivered, but there are a number of upgrade schemes that could be started straight away. These include improving the Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester, upgrading the West Cumbrian rail line for freight and commuting, and making Darlington station HS2 and NPR ready. Such shovel-ready schemes would “get the economy moving”.

COMMUNITY:

Staying safe outside your home
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible includes an up-date to face coverings section to include statement: ‘You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and staff for the purposes of identification.’

Coronavirus – guidance on accessing green spaces safely
Guidance on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others – updated with the latest guidance on ticketed garden venues.

Help with mortgages to continue for homeowners affected by Coronavirus

Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage due to Coronavirus will be able to extend their mortgage payment holiday for a further three months, or start making reduced payments, in proposals published today.

Further visa extensions for those unable to return home due to coronavirus

The extension will last until 31 July and will apply to anyone whose leave expired after the 24 January and cannot return home.

Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – updated sources of funding 22/05/2020

Financial assistance abroad
Guidance on what you can do and who you can contact if you need financial help abroad, including during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to include new emergency living costs loans available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Up to £15 million to support the Citizens Advice service during COVID-19 pandemic
Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland to receive funding boost of up to £15 million to help them deal with increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates to available funding where the Government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.

Stay alert and safe: social distancing guidance for young people
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.

Dame Louise Casey calls on community partners to help with COVID-19 rough sleeping crisis
Businesses, faith groups and local communities are being urged to help new Rough Sleeping Taskforce.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: 6000 new supported homes as part of landmark commitment to end rough sleeping: Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
Updated 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 – information on UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and UK Visa Application Centres (VACs). Added a link to guidance on how to cancel your visa. Added a link to the latest information on changes at the border.

CONSTRUCTION:

Highways firm trials social distancing tags on sites
Lightweight social distancing tags which can be clipped to a belt, lanyard or hard hat are being used on site by a leading highways firm. The tags sound an audible warning when workers get too close and also vibrate and set off a flashing light. They are part of a complete package of covid-19 safety solutions offered by start-up business www.keep2m.co.uk. Maintenance specialist Highway Care is one of the first firms to use the social distance tags on site.

EDUCATION:

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Added latest data and “22 May 2020 summary: attendance in education and early years settings 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. Changed to include updated guidance documents for centres and for teachers, students, parents and carers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
This guidance aims to answer common questions in relation to the cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020.
This page has been updated to reflect the publication of Ofqual consultation documents.

Responsibility for autumn GCSE, AS and A level exam series
Expectations for centres on who should be responsible for entering candidates for autumn exams.

Consultation on an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020
Proposals for an additional exam series in autumn 2020 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020
Consultation on the assessment and grading of vocational, technical and other general qualifications – updated to include consultation outcomes and response documents.

The Independent Sage Group has released a report on the possible reopening of schools, which identified two major requirements for re-opening.
Evidence of low rates of infection in the local community and the ability to identify new cases through a test, track and isolate strategy. It concluded that as these two conditions have not been met, schools should not be reopened.

Online education resources for home learning
Updated list of online resources with additional resources organised by key stage added to online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Department for Education explanatory note on SAGE modelling
An explanatory note for SAGE’s paper assessing the potential impact of more children returning to school on the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June
A planning guide for early years providers, in England, to help prepare them to open their settings for all children from 1 June 2020.

PM confirms schools, colleges and nurseries on track to begin phased reopening
From 1 June schools, colleges and nurseries are set to open to more children.

Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Added ‘Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020’ to planning guides for school leaders to help them prepare to open their schools for more pupils during the coronavirus outbreak.

Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Updated 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) to include new information on the recommended approaches that local authorities, educational settings and parents should follow for the return of children and young people with EHC plans, or those with complex needs but who do not have an EHC plan, to educational settings from 1 June 2020.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – published updated data (up to end of Sunday 24 May) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Tell HMRC about an option to tax land and buildings
Use form VAT1614A to tell HMRC of an option to tax land or buildings. We have extended the time limit from the date the decision to opt was made. This now applies to decisions made between 15 February and 30 June 2020.

European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. ESF Question and Answers have been updated and additional information has been included within the ERDF Q&A regarding the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel. Updated: Directed letter (update 1) – continuity of education allowance (CEA) – regulatory flexibility in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live on GOV?.UK.
If you’re an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can now claim for coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). If you have a tax agent, they can also make claims on your behalf. To make a claim now, please visit GOV?.UK and search ‘Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)‘.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 25 May 2020This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

Plans announced for London’s Covid-19 recovery
A new London Transition Board will co-ordinate London’s response as it emerges from the lockdown and begins to reopen its economy while controlling the virus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Version 2 of Local Authority Discretionary Fund guidance published – businesses who are eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) are now eligible to apply for the scheme. Added to guidance for local authorities setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

ENVIRONMENTAL:

Environmental influence on transmission of COVID-19 (28 April 2020)
Research compiled by the Environmental and Modelling Group for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:

Early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) scientific opinion: Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who meet the clinical criteria
EAMS scientific opinion issued to Gilead Sciences Ltd for Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who meet the clinical criteria

Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK – 25^th May

Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second – updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with a batch of reports on children and schools.

£300 million additional funding for local authorities to support new test and trace service
Local authorities will be central to supporting the new test and trace service in England, with the government providing a new funding package of £300 million.

The R number in the UK
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person.

Government publishes latest R number
The Government Office for Science is publishing the latest R number range for the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-1.0 as of 22 May 2020.

Home Secretary announces new public health measures for all UK arrivals
New measures at the UK border to guard against a second wave of coronavirus infections have been announced by the Home Secretary today.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for care homes
Sets out the support package to keep care homes safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Information has been added to the care home support package attachment: a template for local authorities has been added under the heading ‘Publishing your rate uplifts and other extra funding for care providers on your website’.

COVID-19: laboratory evaluations of serological assays
PHE has undertaken a number of rapid evaluations of commercial serological assays for their suitability for detecting the production of COVID-19 antibodies. Added updated Abbott and Roche evaluation reports.

MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) scientific opinion on Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 to the ‘Medicines and COVID-19’ section in guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

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 – updated to include details of amended legislation to speed up making Traffic Orders.

Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

Cleansing and PPE waste at a healthcare waste management facility: RPS C1
When you can store or treat coronavirus (COVID-19) cleansing and used PPE waste without having codes 15 02 02* or 15 02 03 in your permit. We have extended the expiry date to 30 September 2020.

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 – custody suites in courts section updated.

HOSPITALITY:

Bar operators eye ‘meanwhile’ sites
Restaurant and bar operators are on the hunt for large, open-air ‘meanwhile’ sites as the government considers allowing hospitality operators to turn public spaces into al fresco drinking and dining establishments.

HOUSING:

6000 new supported homes as part of landmark commitment to end rough sleeping
Radical plans to provide thousands of long-term, safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic.

IT & TECHNOLOGY:

HMRC: A word about scams
Stay vigilant about scams which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Search ‘scams’ on GOV?.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.

JUDICIARY:

HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. Information will be updated every Friday at 5pm.

MARKETING / CREATIVE:

Creative Firms get support through the coronavirus pandemic
A programme to help creative businesses in Greater Manchester to scale up and grow could help firms in their recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Creative Scale-Up programme was first launched in January – and its backers say the project is now even more important than ever. Organisations that have already taken part include Engage Hub, the People’s History Museum, Creative Tourist, Buffalo 7, Prospect Games and Beatstream Media. The scheme was launched by the Growth Company and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and fully funded by DCMS.

PROPERTY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
Conveyancers must provide evidence to show why an application is urgent when requesting an expedite.

Property investors not deterred by coronavirus chaos, research claims
The latest research from Property Hub has revealed that a huge 98% of property investors still consider property to be a good long-term investment. Property Hub, which cites itself as the UK’s number one property podcast and one of the largest property communities in the UK, surveyed 1,731 of its members and found that sentiment remained incredibly strong.

RETAIL:

Prime Minister sets out timeline for retail to re-open in June
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure and can show customers will be kept safe, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed today. The Prime Minister has set out:

Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. As with garden centres, the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces. Car showrooms often have significant outdoor space and it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Shops and branches – updated to reflect industry feedback and to expand coverage of non-essential retail categories ahead of planned opening.

SPORT & RECREATION:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Added Elite sport return to training guidance: Step Two to guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus: MOT centre and tester guidance
Guidance on providing MOT tests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including how to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Added information on working safely when carrying out MOT tests during the coronavirus including: A link to government guidance using assistants inside the vehicle checks underside and under-bonnet checks front suspension checks motorcycle tests

Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020
Your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry date will be extended by 6 months if it’s due on or after 30 March 2020 – but you must keep your vehicle safe to drive. Added information about what happens if you take your vehicle for its MOT and it fails when the extension has been applied.

Coronavirus: MOT centre and tester guidance
Guidance on providing MOT tests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including how to limit the spread of coronavirus – added information on working safely when carrying out MOT tests during the coronavirus including: A link to government guidance using assistants inside the vehicle checks underside and under-bonnet checks front suspension checks motorcycle tests

Transport Secretary announces new measures to “keep passengers safe now and level up for the future”
Funding to protect and increase transport services, level up infrastructure and regenerate local economies after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Transport Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 23 May 2020
Further funding to protect and increase transport services, level up infrastructure and regenerate local economies after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

TRAVEL:

Government outlines details of 14-day quarantine regime from 8^th JuneThe measures, widely anticipated after first being announced by prime minister Boris Johnson on 10 May, will take effect on 8 June. Arrivals by air, sea or rail will be asked to fill in a form with their contact details, and indicate where they intend to serve their 14-day self-isolation requirement. The measures will be enforced via spot checks; anyone flouting the rules could face fines of up to £1,000 if they do not comply.

Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added information on new rules on entering or returning to the UK that will start on 8 June to guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Booking special charter flights during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Added link to new guidance on entering the UK from 8 June to the page explaining who is eligible to register for special charter flights, and how the booking process works to return to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from UK border rules
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new UK border rules introduced due to coronavirus. The rules will apply to travellers to the UK from 8 June 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) essential international travel guidance
Added link to new guidance on entering the UK from 8 June to page providing guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak. Addition of text ‘You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and police staff for the purposes of identification.’

Financial support for when you are waiting to return to the UK during coronavirus (COVID-19)
New emergency living costs loans information added to guidance on the financial support from the government available for British people who are unable to return home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Charter flights from Caribbean Islands for British travellers to return to the UK
The UK has announced a further three charter flights to bring British travellers home from across the Caribbean.

UK Government announces three more charter flights for British travellers
Further special charter flights from Nigeria will return British travellers to the UK.

Spain to stop quarantining arrivals from 1 July
Foreign visitors to Spain will no longer have to undergo a two-week quarantine from 1 July. Travel firms and other industry bodies say the UK should relax the measure for visitors arriving from countries where people are at a lower risk of contracting the coronavirus. Spain normally attracts 80 million tourists a year, with the sector providing more than 12% of the country’s GDP. Opening up the holiday market again before the summer season is over is seen as crucial to the Spanish economy.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): immigration and borders
Updated guidance for those affected by changes to UK immigration and borders due to coronavirus to add ‘Entering the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from UK border rules’ guidance pages.

Useful Links

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