
Latest data:
Testing: 1,383,842 tests for the virus have been carried out
Positive tests: 194,990 people have tested positive
Loss of life: 29,427 people have died across all settings, 693 more deaths since the previous day’s figures
Government Daily Briefings
Tuesday 5th May
- UK has highest number of reported deaths in Europe
- Reiterated 5 tests that need to be met before lockdown measures can be lifted:
- Boost NHS capacity so it can cope
- See a sustained and consistent fall in the number of deaths
- See reductions in the rate of infection to manageable levels
- Have confidence the NHS, testing and PPE supply can cope with future demand
- Ensure adjustments the Government make won’t risk a second peak
- International initiative to fight criminals attacking the frontline, exploiting crisis
- Brexit negotiations are continuing and making progress
Foreign Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 5 May 2020
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 5 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 5 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor Angela McLean, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser.
Monday 4th May
- Trials of new contact tracing app begin today on the Isle of Wight which will allow a more targeted approach to lockdown while safely containing the disease
- Boris Johnson to co-host a virtual Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Conference
- New measures announced to support both students and universities
- £14m support been given to zoos and aquariums in England
- Those who cannot work normal hours due to Covid-19 will still receive tax credits
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 4 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May
- Launch of top-up to local business grant funds scheme
- Employers working with government on new working environment
- PM to announce a ‘staged’ move out of lockdown this week
- Now past the peak of the coronavirus
- Beginning to restore NHS services
- Restoration of fertility services, reopening of fertility clinics
- New contact tracing app being trialled on Isle of Wight
- 49 testing centres / 77 mobile testing units
- 90% of rough sleepers now in accommodation
- More than doubled capacity of NHS and PHE labs
- 3 new mega testing analysis labs
- Strategy of test, trace and track
- Mid-May an initial 18,000 contact tracers in place
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus: 1 May 2020
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave the 1 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 1 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor Stephen Powis.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 2 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries.
HEADLINE NEWS:
Test, Track, Trace App – trials start today on the Isle of Wight
Today the trial run of the Government’s “Test Track and Trace” programme starts on the Isle of Wight. At this evening’s press conference, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will be setting out how the trial works and how the programme will then be rolled out across the country. As the controversy over the target of the 100,000 tests-a-day- capacity continues (it seems that officials applied a very loose definition of testing capacity per day to reach the target), it is important to understand that this is a key factor of any successful “test track and trace”: without a high, fast and effective testing capacity, there is no tracking and tracing and no possibility to contain any virus hotspot.
The stakes are very high: getting the programme right will play a big part in any plan to safely lift the restrictions in place and allow the nation to go back to a degree of normality, so top government officials will be monitoring the trial run very closely.
With Thursday’s statutory review of the lockdown measures approaching, many people will be hoping for a bit more freedom from next week. Looking at the way other countries have been cautiously lifting the lockdown, however, we shouldn’t get too excited just yet. Several newspapers report today that the Prime Minister is due to set out its Phase 2 roadmap at the press conference next Sunday, after the most of the lockdown measures are extended for another three weeks on Thursday.
In the meantime, the Government is working with businesses to draft plans for all sectors to reopen gradually and safely, with staggered shifts, safe distancing of 2 metres, and limited access to public transport among some of the suggested measures.
Government launches top-up funding for businesses exempt from business grant scheme
A fund of up to £617 million has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope and top up the local business grant funds scheme.
The top-up fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. Local authorities will prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.
Small businesses boosted by 100% government backed Bounce Back loans
Launching today, small businesses can benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing Bounce Back Loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders. The first 12 months of the loan will be both interest free and repayment holiday for the first 12 months.
Businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days – businesses can apply online through a short and simple form.
Britain’s small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to access loans of up to £50,000 from today – with the cash expected to land within days.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-bounce-back-loans-to-launch-today
£6.1 million funding boost to help high streets and town centres through pandemic
Business Improvement Districts will receive funding in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hundreds of BIDs across England will receive support to help cover their day to day costs for the next 3 months
How the government plans to get the UK back to work
The government will release a series of papers next week outlining its approach on how to safely and gradually restart the economy.It invited submissions by Thursday from businesses, trade bodies, unions and other workers representatives on how best to slowly restart the UK economy.It’s thought the proposals will not be split bluntly by sector but by working environment.
But there is no confirmed date yet for when such a restart will occur. Unions, large firms and business groups have been consulted on seven areas.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Manchester Airport Group receives £250 million in support from GM councils
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has received a £250 million support package from the 10 Greater Manchester councils to see the city’s airport through the coronavirus crisis.
Manchester City Council owns a 35.5% stake in MAG, which also operates Stansted and East Midlands airports, and will provide £143 million, with the nine other local authorities owning 29% collectively and providing £13 million each.
Household waste and recycling centres in Cheshire East to reopen on 11 May
All 8 household waste and recycling centres across Cheshire East are to reopen on 11 May, operating 7 days a week from 8.30am to 5pm. Residents are urged to only travel to a site where the journey is essential and where the waste or recycling cannot be safely stored at home until a later date.
Traffic management systems will be in operation with restricted queuing, meaning some residents may be asked to return at another time, and visitors are advised to bring proof of address, such as a utility or council tax bill to prevent residents of other authorities using the facility.
Drivers’ access to the site will be based on the last number on their vehicle registration plate. Number plates on which the last number is odd – 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, for the first week of the reopening of the sites (week commencing 11 May) will be given access on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Number plates where the last number is even – 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 will be given access to the sites for the first week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Further information on this and the rota will be shown on our household waste recycling centre page.
Coronavirus Survey:
To better understand the extent of the COVID-19 impact on business, and inform government what help businesses across Cheshire and Warrington need, Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub are asking as many of the region’s businesses as possible to complete a short survey. Please take a couple of minutes to do this if you can, to help the Growth Hub and Local Enterprise Partnership understand what support is needed.
COMMUNITIES:
Emergency funding to support most vulnerable in society during pandemic
Communities Secretary announces £76 million extra funding to support survivors of?domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery.
Dame Louise Casey to spearhead government taskforce on rough sleeping during pandemic
A specialist taskforce has been created to lead the next phase of the Government’s support for rough sleepers during the pandemic.
CONSTRUCTION:
Opinion: Get Covid-19 site restart contract terms sorted now
Contractors or subcontractors should not be bullied into working if they have genuine safety concerns for their employees, nor should they be allowed to hold clients to ransom. But they must get as watertight an agreement as possible before work commences or problems will fester.
Local leaders pledge to continue vital building safety work
Leaders from 25 councils have pledged their commitment to ensuring vital building safety work continues during the pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for educational settings
Advice for educational settings, and their students and staff, who are travelling or planning to travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated to advise British nationals against all non-essential international travel for an indefinite period
Eligibility for government childcare offers protected
Temporary measures ensure critical workers will still be eligible for childcare offers if their income has changed due to coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings
Updated spreadsheets and added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) attendance in education settings to ‘a summary of how many children and teachers attended education and childcare settings since Monday 23 March.’
Consultation decisions on who should receive a calculated grade for GCSEs, AS and A levels.
In line with our consultation proposal, we have decided that students entered for exams in year 10 and below will be eligible to receive calculated grades this summer. This follows the majority of responses received, which indicate that the progression of some students would be disrupted if they were not awarded a grade this summer, and to exclude them would have an unfair impact.
NASUWT warn against premature reopening of schools in UK & Ireland
The letter, sent by the British Irish Group of Teacher Unions (BIGTU) on behalf of almost 1 million teachers and education staff, warns of the “very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus by a premature opening of schools”.
It calls for the establishment of sufficient capacity to “test trace and isolate” the infection as a prerequisite for school reopening, alongside “significant operational changes [being] in place to ensure effective social distancing, strong hygiene routines linked to thorough cleansing practices, appropriate PPE [being] available where required, and ongoing risk assessments in place to monitor operations.”
Case studies: remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Examples of practice for remote education from schools and academies across England.
Government announces range of Covid-19 measures to protect university students
We know that COVID-19 has placed great strain on our HE sector and those who study and work in it, and that the sector has called for measures to achieve stability. That is why we have announced a package of measures to stabilise university admissions and support our world-class HE system to continue to deliver for all students and the wider economy. This package will ensure we continue to look after the best interests of students and help them make well-informed choices that give them the best prospect for success in their lives and careers. Stabilising Admissions The Government has announced that temporary student number controls will be put
Actions for HE providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Information for HE providers on the government support package available for universities and students, the process for clearing and student numbers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students – added ‘Actions for HE providers during the coronavirus outbreak’.
Ofqual publishes initial decisions on GCSE and A level grading proposals for 2020
Consultation decisions on who should receive a calculated grade for GCSEs, AS and A levels.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Update on summer 2020 GCSEs, AS and A level grades for students in year 10 and below and for private candidates added to information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020.
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. Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers document updated to reflect the policy update on year 10 and private candidates.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Updated: 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 – includes: cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020’ to reflect Ofqual consultation closing.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Added information about the May bank holiday, a link to the admissions appeals and updates to the support available to parents to help them educate their children at home to information for parents and carers about educational provision for critical workers, school closures, exams, free school meals and home schooling.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS FINANCE:
Business rates revaluation postponed
A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 to help reduce uncertainty for firms affected by the impacts of coronavirus.
BBC: 2-metre distancing may be eased for work
Employers will not be required to maintain social distancing of two metres between workers under government proposals to reopen the UK’s workplaces.
In one of the draft government strategy papers, seen by the BBC, employers are encouraged to do so where possible but where it’s not, additional measures should be considered, it suggests. These should include additional hygiene procedures, physical screens and the use of protective equipment.
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 – data updated
Tax credits customers will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hours due to COVID-19
People who can’t work their normal hours because of coronavirus (COVID-19) will still receive their usual tax credits payments.
Top-up to local business grant funds scheme
A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme.
Bounce Back Loan Scheme: letter from the Chancellor to lenders
A letter from the Chancellor to all accredited Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders on the new Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
Treasury Direction made by the Chancellor under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
It sets out that HMRC are responsible for the payment and management of amounts to be paid under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, as set out in the Schedule to the Direction. The Direction sets out the legal framework for the Scheme. Further guidance for employers and employees can be found here.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
The ‘Closing certain businesses and venues in England’ guidelines have been updated to further clarify the requirements of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for businesses
Guidance updated with information on tax for businesses and setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
HMRC invites self-employed to get ready to make their claims
The claims service will open on 13 May and is being delivered ahead of the original timetable. This will help millions of self-employed people, covering a wide range of industries and jobs, whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the coronavirus.
Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits up to a maximum of £7,500 (equivalent to three months’ profits), paid in a single instalment.
You can check your eligibility using the new online checker tool. Once the online check is complete, those who are eligible will be given a date when they can submit their claim.
The claims service will open on 13 May and is being delivered ahead of the original timetable. The claims process will be very simple, and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May, or within six working days of completing a claim. There is also further guidance available on ‘How HMRC works out trading profits and non-trading income for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’ and ‘How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’.
Cheshire East Jobs Match
Cheshire East Council has launched a new job matching service to help people, who are temporarily not working, find jobs in key roles where support is needed.
The free job matching service will help to connect employers across Cheshire East who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment.
For more information about this, and about financial support during the Covid-19 outbreak, visit the Council website:
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
Added the document “Managing Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” to a guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres.Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to councils on the re-opening of household waste and recycling centres
Letter to councils in England on the re-opening household waste and recycling centres.
EXPORT:
Covid-19 Temporary Export Measures
Affected products include personal protection equipment – PPE, pharma products, hand sanitiser, food and certain other products
FINANCE:
Lifetime ISA rule changes to help people who want to access their funds early.
People whose income has been affected by Coronavirus and who want to access their Lifetime ISA funds early will no longer face an additional withdrawal charge thanks to a temporary rule change, John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, announced today. The move is part of the government’s unprecedented package of support to help individuals, businesses and the economy during this difficult time.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Health Secretary welcomes reopening of fertility services
New guidance will allow clinics to reopen if they can prove measures to protect staff and patients are in place.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Added translated guidance to information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
The single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The social distancing guidelines have been updated to further clarify the requirements of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 and information on clinically vulnerable people.
20 flights have been operated by passenger airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic,as well as various cargo operators and delivery specialists.
Poorest areas of UK see double the mortality Rates
People living in the poorest parts of England have experienced COVID-19 mortality rates of more than double those of wealthier areas, according to the U.K.’s Office for National Statistics. In an analysis released Friday, the ONS said the COVID-19 mortality rate in the most deprived parts of England was 55.1 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to 25.3 deaths per 100,000 in the most affluent areas. The analysis covers the period between March 1 and April 17.
Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response – participants
Participants added to list of participants of SAGE and related sub-groups.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
Updated list of evidence provided to SAGE – 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): verification of death in times of emergency
Clarifying existing practice for verifying deaths outside of hospitals and providing a framework for safe verification of death during the coronavirus emergency.
New reagent available to support global diagnostic testing of coronavirus (COVID-19)
A new biological reagent is now available to labs around the UK and the world that will help them to set up and develop accurate diagnostic tests for coronavirus (COVID-19).
IT:
UK condemns cyber actors seeking to benefit from global coronavirus pandemic
Foreign Secretary warns hostile cyber actors against using global pandemic for their own malicious ends
MANUFACTURING:
SME manufacturers see activity plunge sharply due to Covid-19
CBI – SME manufacturing output fell at its quickest pace in over a decade in the quarter to April, largely attributed to the coronavirus outbreak with 4 out 5 firms noting that the measures needed to contain the virus had a negative impact on their domestic output
MARKETING & COMMS:
Prolific North: How coronavirus is affecting our sector – live blog
“The Government’s furlough scheme has offered a significant lifeline to many businesses. However a number of businesses have jumped at an opportunity to save money far too quickly, rather than protect the wellbeing of their employees”
ITV revenue drops £50m despite 75% increase in online viewership
The company said that the decrease was largely due to the phasing of deliveries and restrictions on working practices during the pandemic, as well as a “significant impact” on the demand for advertising.
OVERSEAS UK RESIDENTS:
FCO privacy notice: coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency loan for British nationals abroad for living costs
How the Foreign & Commonwealth Office processes your data if you apply for an emergency loan for living costs whilst you are abroad, waiting to return to the UK.
PROPERTY:
How is the Build to Rent market adapting to lockdown and social distancing?
“There is evidence to suggest that Build to Rent is currently one of the strongest and most reliable asset classes, and always has been – which could help it to bounce back quicker than most parts of the market as institutional investors see it as a safe haven.”
How might Covid-19 impact offices?A panel of experts discussed how the current coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures will affect the flexible workspace sector, how office landlords and tenants will respond to remote working trends, how design and occupier requirements could change and the role of technology.
“Everyone has got used to working from home. There will be people who will want to continue working from home and I imagine there will be businesses that will encourage them to do that, but there will also be people who want to go back to the office. So I do not see it as the end of the office – far from it.”
RETAIL:
Beer sales down by 40% in March as coronavirus forces pubs to close
The British Pub Association is calling on the Government to offer more support as the figures show the devastating effect lockdown is having on the trade. Sales in the off-trade were up 10.6% compared with the same period last year
Pret a Manger calls back employees to reopen a further 20 shops
Pret has reopened another 20 of its sites for takeaways and delivery. The business has already reopened 10 stores in London. Visit www.bakeryinfo.co.uk for more information
Greggs reopening plans change due to crowd fears
Greggs will not let the public into its stores during reopening trials over fears they may be mobbed by fans. The company said it would continue to review the situation and sad it will allow walk-in customers into its shops when it is confident it is safe to do so in a controlled manner.
Next rolled out warehouse safety measures to re-open online business
Next is now selling around 70% of its range online. From 26 March NEXT closed its Online business along with its Warehousing and Distribution Operations, having listened to colleagues concerned about virus transmission. NEXT consulted with colleagues and recognised union, USDAW and started with colleagues who were willing and able to safely return to work. The decision to temporarily close enabled NEXT to re-organise the way its warehouses work, to enable rigorous social distancing and adapt to new logistical operations
SPORT & LEISURE:
Government pledges £16 million to rescue Rugby League
The Rugby Football League (RFL) will receive a £16 million cash injection to safeguard the immediate future of the sport for the communities it serves, the Government has announced.
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 – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – Financial Support: HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Media and Marketing:
Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/