Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 358,138 have tested positive (+ 2,919 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,608 across all settings (+ 14 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,502 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 53 in the last 7 days
*Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.9-1.1 and the growth rate range is -1% to +2% per day as of 4 September 2020.
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: UK economy continues recovery in July
The UK economy grew by 6.6% in July, according to official figures, but remains far below pre-pandemic levels. It is the third month in a row that the economy has expanded. But the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that the UK “has still only recovered just over half of the lost output caused by the coronavirus”.
England and Wales’ contact-tracing app gets launch date
A new Covid-19 contact-tracing app will be launched across England and Wales on 24 September, the government has announced.
Furlough ‘must be extended’ to avoid mass unemployment, say MPs
The UK government should consider a targeted extension of its furlough scheme, MPs have said.
Concerns over ‘moonshot’ testing plans
Scientists and health professionals have raised doubts about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “Operation Moonshot” plan for mass coronavirus testing.
Venues required by law to record contact details
Premises and venues across England must have a system in place to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff in the latest move to break the chains of transmission of coronavirus.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 10 September 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Making a support bubble with another household
If you want to expand the group of people you can have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, making a support bubble with another household is the safest way to do so.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Council stresses importance of Covid-19 measures as infection rates rise in neighbouring boroughs
Cheshire East Council is reminding residents of the importance of social distancing guidance and other measures, as Covid-19 case numbers rise in the North-west. Infection rates in nearby Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire have all climbed in recent days, despite additional restrictions being in place in some areas.
Manchester Airport adds Belfast route as new travel corridor changes come into effect
Following the Transport Secretary’s announcement that saw travel corridor changes to certain Greek islands, Manchester Airport is sharing the latest advice and update to its passengers. Karen Smart, MD at Manchester Airport, said:
It’s pleasing to see the long overdue introduction of an island-by-island approach to travel corridors. While this will initially mean restrictions to travel to some Greek islands, it should enable key markets like the Balearics and Canaries to be opened up more quickly.
“However, now we need to refine the wider travel corridor system to enable a targeted approach to low-risk regions within mainlands. In addition, Government must prioritise the development of a testing regime to cut passengers’ quarantine time on return to the UK.
“In what would normally still be our busiest time of the year, it is great to see carriers like Stobart launching services from Manchester, offering vital domestic connectivity and access to our wider route network.
“I’d like to thank all our passengers for continuing to abide by the measures in place during these uncertain times, and also thank all our staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure safe travel for all.”
Two new coronavirus test centres are set to open in Trafford and Stockport
The walk-through facilities will be opened at Former Moss View Community School in Partington and at the Brinnington Park Leisure Complex.
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England.
If you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Preston and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with.
CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY
Lending partnership launches to fund SME developers
Homes England and development finance platform, Invest & Fund, have announced a new seven-year partnership to support SME developers grow and deliver new homes.
Tackling workplace absence in the construction sector36 per cent year-on-year increase in absence seen in the period from April to June 2020.
EDUCATION:
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
Updated guidance to reflect the actions special schools and other specialist settings need to support full opening from the start of the autumn term.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT).
Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS)
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.
Get laptops and tablets for children who cannot attend school due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools can access digital devices for children requiring access to remote education due to shielding or local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Mental health and wellbeing surveillance report.
National reports and tool to support the monitoring of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the population.
Stockport to get moving again in Covid-19 recovery programme
Stockport Council has partnered with Life Leisure and other local organisations to launch a new COVID-19 physical activity recovery programme to support inactive Stockport residents to get moving again.
Weight management services during COVID-19: phase 1 insights
The impact of COVID-19 on children, young people and adults living with obesity, tier 2 and 3 weight management provision and next steps for recovery.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series.
PHE/EMG: Aerosol and droplet generation from singing, wind instruments and performance activities, 13 August 2020
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) and the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG).
SPI-B: Consensus on BAME communication?, 22 July 2020
Consensus statement prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 5 new papers under the July, August and September SAGE meetings.
SAGE meetings, July 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in July 2020.
Demographic data for coronavirus testing (England): 28 May to 26 August
Information on testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) by different demographic groups under NHS Test and Trace.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
Wedding services: coronavirus – cancellations and refunds
Statement setting out the CMA’s views?on?how the law operates in?relation?to?contracts?for?wedding?services affected?by?the?coronavirus pandemic.
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 – update for week commencing Monday 7 September 2020
RETAIL
Five ways online retailers can remain resilient against future disruption
As businesses count the cost of Covid-19 and prepare for the future, Retail Week highlights five key factors that will help online retailers to adapt and thrive.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published daily for the return to school period.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Useful Links:
Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
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.
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 – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – Financial Support: HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Media and Marketing:
Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market