May 29th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest data:

Total tests: 3,918,079 UK tests have been carried out (+ 119,587)

Positive tests: 269,127 have tested positive – (+ 1,887 on previous day)

Loss of life: 37,837 across all settings, (+ 377 on previous day)

Government daily briefings:

Thurs 28th May

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed UK had passed all five government tests for easing lockdown
Groups of up to six people from different households would be able to meet outdoors, providing they remain two metres apart
Reconfirmed non-essential retail, starting with outdoor businesses and car showrooms, as well as schools could begin reopening from 1st June
R rate currently between 0.7 and 0.9

Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 28 May 2020

Weds 27th May

‘World-beating’ Track and Trace scheme begins in England & Scotland today
Track & Trace scheme will start to replace national lockdown with individual isolation and local action
Hairdressers could be allowed to reopen after 4^th July
Summer schools could be back on the agenda

Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 27 May 2020

HEADLINES:

PM: Six people can meet outside under new measures to ease lockdown
PM Boris Johnson announced groups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in England from Monday 1 June, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. Groups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in England from Monday 1 June, including in gardens and other private outdoor spaces, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. The Prime Minister announced the change as he set out a carefully-designed package to ease the burdens of lockdown in a way that is expected to keep the R rate down. “Thanks to the public’s continued patience and I can confirm that the government’s five tests are being met. This means we can now move forward to the next phase of adjusting the lockdown.”

Listen to the BBC podcast – The Joy of Six

International supercomputer pact set to fire up UK COVID-19 research
The UK will be the first country, outside the US, to join the global COVID-19 High Performance Computing (HPC) consortium

Track and Trace scheme begins in earnest today in England and Scotland

25,000 contact tracers, including 7,500 qualified clinicians will, from 9am this morning, begin the Government’s track and trace initiative, designed to break the chain and reduce the rate of infection. While not yet mandatory, Health Secretary Mat Hancock said it was “everyone’s civic duty”. Test and trace is routinely and widely used to manage contagious diseases. The new team will be contacting those who have tested positive and trace contacts who have been 2 meters apart for 15 minutes or closer asking them to self-isolate for 14 days. Those who report that they are showing symptoms of coronavirus will be asked take a test with results in 24 hours from swab to result. Those who test positive will be asked to report who they have been in contact with so they too can be contacted and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Although on a voluntary basis, Mr Hancock warned that the Government has the power to make it mandatory but believes most of people will cooperate. Contacts who have already had virus will still have to isolate even if they have developed anti-bodies. The onus he said is on the employer to encourage employees to follow social distancing rules and protect their business from further closures. Around 7-9,000 cases at the moment have the potential to track and trace. The scheme will also pave the way for ‘local lockdowns’ to be introduced in the future.

Government launches NHS Test and Trace service
New guidance means those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms.

UK Finance: Lenders provide 650,000 businesses with £27.5billion Covid-19 finance
Lenders have approved £27.5 billion to more than 650,000 businesses so far through the three major government-backed lending schemes. The industry is providing an unprecedented level of support to businesses across the United Kingdom in response to the Covid-19 crisis. In just two months since the launch of the first coronavirus loan scheme, lenders have approved over 650,000 facilities through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). In the past week alone, more than £5.4 billion in lending has been provided to over 146,000 firms through government-backed lending schemes. This decisive action by lenders to support businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis is part of the industry’s plan to get Britain through these challenging times. The Bounce Back Loan scheme – aimed at sole traders and micro businesses – has seen £18.45 billion provided by lenders. £4.3 billion has been approved in the last week, an average of £615 million each day. The number of loans agreed through the scheme increased by over 143,000 to 608,000.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Cheshire East discretionary fund launches for prioritised businesses
Cheshire East Council has launched a discretionary fund to support small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The £4.28 million scheme will be open for applications from Monday 1st June at 8am. The council is asking businesses that think they may be eligible as have been ineligible for other Covid-19 government grants, to prepare their evidence in advance. Allocation will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Government launches Business Reopening Toolkit
The Government’s Business Reopening Toolkit is designed to help and support businesses to reopen safely and securely adhering to Government guidelines. It is especially relevant to supporting retailers to open in Stockport town centre & across the District Centres.

John Lewis Cheadle Royal will reopen next month
John Lewis Partnership’s Cheadle store has been listed as one of the first set to reopen when restrictions of non-essential retail are to be lifted in June, the department store has announced.

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 29 May 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 21 May to 24 May 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.

COVID-19 funding for domestic abuse and sexual violence support services
These prospectuses provide charities with information about two different Ministry of Justice (MOJ) funds and how the assessment processes will work for each one during the coronavirus pandemic.

Over half of small businesses carrying out work in the community
Small business leaders have been at the frontline, carrying out key community roles during the crisis (57%), prioritising and supporting vulnerable customers (30%), donating provisions to local food banks (24%), supporting to key workers (23%) and home deliveries to vulnerable customers free of charge (19%) as well as signing up to be NHS volunteers (9%).

CONSTRUCTION:

Union calls for construction workers to wear masks
Construction union Unite is demanding that workers wear masks when they cannot keep to the two metre social distancing guidelines on site.

The union has written to the Construction Leadership Council highlighting its concerns about the current site operating procedures (SOP). The fourth and latest version of the industry-standard SOP was published last week. It states: “If you are not able to work while maintaining a two metre distance, you should consider whether the activity should continue” and adds “that management should minimise the frequency and time workers are within two metres of each other.”

EDUCATION:

Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated guidance to include information on mental health and wellbeing to advice for parents and carers of early years children who have not yet started school Updated guidance to include information on mental health and wellbeing.

Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Updated information about providing meals for pupils attending school, the national voucher scheme and providing meals or food parcels through your food provider.

SPI-M-O: Consensus view on the impact of mass school closures, 19 February 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Guidance updated to clarify statutory sick pay relief to funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
New coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance updates to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and children’s social care.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added details of the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund to what financial support you can get for your business. Added details of the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.

Furlough costs will mean ‘difficult decisions’ for firms
As businesses return to work the Institute of Directors called on the Government to provide targeted financial assistance for SMEs needing to make health and safety adaptations to their workplaces. Around 1 in 3 business leaders polled said financial support for adjusting workplaces would help get their organisation operating safely under social distancing, second only to better clarity around commuting on public transport. The polling was conducted between 20-27 May, with 697 respondents.

Statutory sick pay rebate scheme
Small businesses and employers across the UK who have paid statutory sick pay to staff taking coronavirus-related leave can now claim this back. If you are an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can claim for Coronavirus related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You can also speak to your tax agent about making claims on your behalf. The repayment will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP.
Full details of the scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

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.

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated 2 videos under ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’. The videos explain how the scheme works and how you can claim.

Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, you can now claim for employees who are self-isolating because they’ve been notified by the NHS or public health bodies that they’ve come into contact with someone with coronavirus.

NHS test and trace: workplace guidance
Guidance on the NHS test and trace service for employers, businesses and workers.

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video about how to make a claim through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been updated. Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus.

Statistics relating to Covid-19 and the immigration system, May 2020
A statistical report showing the impact of Covid-19 on the immigration system, up to April 2020.

Work out 80% of your employees’ wages to claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out how to calculate 80% of your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions (NICs) and pension contributions if you’ve furloughed staff due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ministerial University Research and Knowledge Exchange Sustainability Taskforce
Terms of reference and membership for the joint BEIS/DFE taskforce.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
Added guidance that employees should arrange a test if they have symptoms of coronavirus to guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres.

Regulating the waste industry during the coronavirus pandemic
The Environment Agency is continuing to protect people and the environment during coronavirus (COVID-19).

FOOD & DRINK:

Pandemic hits food and drink exports but non-EU sales of branded goods grow
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has today published analysis showing that in the first quarter of 2020, food and drink exports fell by over £700m (-12.7%) compared to the same period in 2019. Sales to the EU were hit the hardest, with total value falling by 17.4% compared to 2019. This decrease was largely driven by the immediate impacts of COVID-19, including the closure of hospitality and travel sectors, which has meant a loss of sales into restaurants, cafés, bars and the out-of-home sector across Europe.

Pub sector urges Chancellor to maintain furlough at 80% until October
The British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and UKHospitalityhave written to Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to ask him to keep the furlough scheme salary for pub and hospitality staff at 80% until October as the sector is two months behind others in reopening and to introduce flexibility from July rather than August.

HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:

NHS test and trace: how it works
An overview of the NHS test and trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.

COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Updated ‘Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection’.

Guidance for contacts of people with possible or 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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance
Added guidance for contacts of people with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person

SPI-M-O working group on scenario planning: Consensus view on COVID-19, 25 March 2020
Scenarios prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium: weekly report 1, 23 March 2020
Report from COG-UK to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

SPI-B: The role of behavioural science in the coronavirus outbreak, 14 March 2020
Background paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

SPI-B: Insights on self-isolation and household isolation, 9 March 2020
Background paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Potential impact of behavioural and social interventions on an epidemic of COVID-19 in the UK, 9 March 2020
Updated paper on the impact of behavioural and social interventions for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies

Exceptional GMP flexibilities for medicines manufacturers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Added link to email address to use to report any difficulties, and a link to reporting the use of regulatory flexibilities to temporary good manufacturing practice (GMP) flexibilities allowed to address the current exceptional circumstances

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.

Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
Added new information about testing and capacity times series to the latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.

Support for the bereaved
Information to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions: ‘What to do when someone dies during the COVID-19 pandemic’.

Heatwave Plan for England
The Heatwave Plan for England remains unchanged for summer 2020. Additional actions may be needed due to COVID-19: Leaflet, flyer, posters and hyperlinks in Heatwave Plan updated. Additional hot weather and COVID-19 specific resources added.

How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
Updated ‘For patients, the public and professional users’ and ‘For industry and manufacturers’ with new information on temporarily stopping the sale of COVID-19 antibody tests for members of the public until the regulatory and safety concerns are resolved.

COVID-19: advice for smokers and vapers
Advice for people who smoke or vape during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Exporting personal protective equipment during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Goods exported from the European Union after midnight on Monday 25 May 2020 will no longer require an export authorisation. The export authorisation requirement for personal protective equipment expired on 25 May 2020 and will not be extended.

Options for increasing adherence to social distancing measures, 22 March 2020
Paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

SPI-B: Easing restrictions on activity and social distancing – comments and suggestions, 1 April 2020
Paper by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

SPI-B: Risk of public disorder, 25 February 2020
Return by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on the risk of public disorder.

SPI-M-O: Consensus view on public gatherings, 11 February 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

SPI-B: Insights on public gatherings, 12 March 2020
Paper by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

JUDICIARY:

More inquiries and hearings to be held virtually in June
With the UK government now refining plans to move the country out of lockdown, we are continuing to scale up our capacity to progress a greater number of cases.

MANUFACTURING:

The power of collaboration post-COVID-19

Collaboration in the manufacturing sector has never been so important. Manufacturing advisor Geoff Crossley explains the benefits that can be gained from co-operating with peers, neighbours and other experts, and outlines how to go about getting started.

PROPERTY:

Bellway Homes developments to reopen across Cheshire
In line with new government advice, Bellway Homes has announced it will be reopening sales offices and showhomes at its Cheshire developments – King’s Quarter in Macclesfield, and Heatherley Wood near Alderley Edge.

Corona Fallout: Renters admit they’re less likely to own a home now
Research by insurance firm Aviva suggests private tenants are now more pessimistic about being able to buy their own home. In December, six months ago, the firm found that 68 per cent of non-homeowners hoped to buy a property in future: now that figures is just 52 per cent. In line with this, the number of under-25s hoping to get on the property ladder in the next five years has decreased from 35 per cent in December to 27 per cent today. The number of households – renting and owning – looking to trade up to a bigger property has also fallen from 10 to eight per cent, suggesting the current housing market is causing people to put plans on hold.

Changes to notifying an option to tax land and buildings during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check temporary changes to the time limit and rules for notifying an option to tax land and buildings.

RETAIL:

LSH Auto UK to reopen its 8 Mercedes-Benz dealerships
The dealer group has announced its eight UK sites across the North-West and Midlands will reopen from 1st June on an appointment only basis in line with easing restrictions on car showrooms.

John Lewis reveals plans for a phased re-opening
John Lewis is set to reopen 13 stores next month with a host of strict safety measures in place to keep customers safe. The department store chain said it then hopes to open more outlets during the summer months – depending on the response to its “new ways of operating”.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Announcement: Timeline for retail to reopen: Home care – guidance added for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) transport data: methodology note
Added details on the breakdown of road-traffic data by selected vehicle types, as well as additional information on TfL Tube and bus data to data sources and methodology information for transport data that is part of the government’s daily media briefings on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added details of how people with coronavirus symptoms can arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19.

Furloughed drivers and recording mobile working time
For operators and furloughed drivers on EU mobile working time rules and EU and AETR drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.

TRAVEL:

Spain travel during coronavirus: commercial flights between Spain and the UK
Summary of flights to the UK from Spain and Gibraltar currently available due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Health Secretary ‘not ruling out’ foreign holidays this summer
Health secretary Matt Hancock has told ITV’s This Morning he “absolutely would not rule out” people taking foreign holidays this summer.

Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added link for how to get a test in the ‘when you return to the UK’ section Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added details of how people with coronavirus symptoms can arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
Response times updated to 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.

Budget carrier easyJet today announced plans to axe up to 30% of its workforce. The airline, which operates 46 routes out of Manchester Airport and 34 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said the move is linked to a reduction in its fleet due to lower capacity caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It said in the fourth quarter of this year it will probably fly around 30% of the planned capacity flown in the same period last year.

Spain calls for EU-wide coronavirus travel framework
Spain has called on its EU partners to agree a common framework for travel within the Schengen area to ensure Europe emerges promptly from the coronavirus crisis, and to encourage tourism.

French border restrictions in response to coronavirus
A summary of the border restrictions in place for travelling to the UK and to France.

Useful Links:

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