Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 403,551 have tested positive (+ 4,926 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,825 across all settings (+ 37 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,698 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 93 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 1.1-1.4 and the growth rate range is +2% to +7% per day as of 18 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.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: Boris Johnson calls for ‘resolve’ to fight coronavirus over winter
Prime Minister Boris Johnson requested once again that those in England should work from home where possible, and called for resolve to continue to fight the coronavirus during the winter months.
In a televised address to the nation, he warned the government would need to take more drastic interventions if new measures introduced were not adhered to. As well as previously announced restrictions on hospitality, the Prime Minister urged workers to work from home once more where possible, and expanded rules on the wearing of face coverings.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 September 2020
Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered.
Update from the UK Chief Medical Officers on the COVID-19 alert level
A joint statement from the UK CMOs recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 3 to level 4.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
All pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues in England must close by 10pm, starting this Thursday, and must offer table service only. The prime minister will officially announced the measures in Parliament, followed by an address live to the nation at 20:00 BST. It comes after the Covid-19 alert level was moved to 4,meaning transmission is “high or rising exponentially”. Venues are also no required to enforce the ‘Rule of 6’ as well as collect contact details for Test and Trace services via an NHS QR code. Read more.
New package to support and enforce self-isolation
A new package has been announced to support and enforce self-isolation.
People will be required by law to self-isolate from 28 September, supported by payment of £500 for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result. New fines for those breaching self-isolation rules will start at £1,000 – bringing this in line with the penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel – but could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most egregious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating. For example, this could include business owners who threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work, sending a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
Childcare to be exempt from interhousehold mixing restrictions in local areas of intervention
Informal childcare and caring arrangements will be allowed to continue across the nation, the Health Secretary has announced today.
Whitbread to shed 20% of workforce – 6,000 jobs at risk
The Premier Inn owner is to reduce its workforce by nearly 20% with 6,000 redundancies across the UK and Germany. Whitbread said that it is entering a consultation process about the redundancies, following a “subdued” outlook for the rest of the year and the end of the government’s furlough scheme. The company also owns restaurant brands Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table and Bar + Block.
New measures in response to the acceleration of coronavirus
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about the government response to the recent acceleration of coronavirus, including an isolation support payment and testing allocation.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Act now to avoid local lockdown say Cheshire council leaders
A joint message from Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester Councils. Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran said:
“There has been a rise in infections across the region during the past few weeks and this is something we need to address now to avoid increased restrictions being imposed on Cheshire.
“Covid-19 remains a real threat, even more so now that it’s right on our doorstep. Our best defence is to be rigorous about simple prevention measures – wash your hands with soap and water, don’t touch your face and maintain social distancing.
“Now is not a time to be complacent, we all must think about the consequences of our actions and carefully consider avoiding situations where we are exposed to other households and larger numbers of people for any length of time.
“I also want to stress the importance of self-isolating and booking yourself in for a test if you have symptoms. However, we also know that testing capacity is not adequate and I, along with other council leaders, have called for increased testing capacity for Cheshire and Merseyside.”
Crewe gets first Covid-19 testing site
A dedicated walk-through Covid-19 testing site is to be deployed in Crewe. The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS), is being created in Crewe and will be ready for public use from 1 October.
Macclesfield Town FC up for sale after winding-up order
The club has been forced to close due to £190,000 in unpaid taxes and debts totally £500,000 after a protracted High Court petition.
North West of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the North West of England. Major restrictions have been brought in across some areas of the North West from Tuesday as part of the response to rising cases of coronavirus. Affecting Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire, excluding Blackpool: residents in these areas must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.
ARMED FORCES:
Extra funding for service charities as veterans’ support is stepped up
Today the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the MOD have announced that 100 UK Armed Forces charities will benefit from nearly £6million of extra funding to support serving personnel, veterans and their families during the coronavirus pandemic.
Armed forces charities funding
Full funding awards for service charities from June.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
FW Capital calls for CBILS applications ahead of 30th September deadline
FW Capital is urging businesses to apply for CBILS-backed Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund loans ahead of the 30 September deadline. Brought forward through British Business Bank-accredited lenders, CBILS is designed to support the continued provision of finance to UK SMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic. FW Capital is able to lend between £100,000 and £750,000 to SMEs that have been impacted by the pandemic, leading to disruptions to their cash flow. The total amount of CBILS-backed NPIF loans invested by the firm has passed the £10m milestone, with 33 businesses having been backed.
Upcoming changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
From 1st October, HMRC will pay 60% of usual wages up to a cap of £1,875 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work. Employers will need to pay furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages for the hours they do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 per month and will need to fund the difference between this and the CJRS grant. Employers willalso continue to pay your furloughed employees’ National Insurance and pension contributions from your own funds. Guidance and live webinars offering you more support on changes to the scheme and how they impact you are available to book online – go to GOV?.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
HMRC phone lines and webchat are still very busy, so the quickest way to find the support you may need is on GOV.UK. This will leave phone lines and webchat service open for those who need them most.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus – updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – Added information on penalties for breaching the rules (section 1.1) and updated guidance on Test and Trace data and display of NHS QR codes (section 2.1).
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme. Monthly data (up to end of Sunday 20 September) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Emergency support instrument update
The UK has secured £31 million in funding through the European Union’s mobility package to assist the UK’s coronavirus response.
West Midlands: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the West Midlands.
Leicester: local restrictions
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the Leicester area.
West Yorkshire: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected areas.
Bolton: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in Bolton.
North East of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected areas.
Check if you can apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people, check if you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme – added link to new guidance about finding someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
List of Kickstart Gateway organisations in England, Scotland and Wales who can apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on behalf of a group of employers.
COMMUNITY:
From Monday September 28th, people are legally required to adhere to restrictions imposed regarding the need to isolate with fines up to £10,000 for those who break the law.
Guidance for contacts of people with 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 – updated guidance to include the new legal requirements for self-isolation due to come into effect on 28 September 2020.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated guidance to include the new legal requirements for self-isolation due to come into effect on 28 September 2020.
Visiting care homes during coronavirus
Guidance for making arrangements for limited visits for care homes with the support of their director of public health – added a note to say that the guidance will be updated following publication of the adult social care winter plan.
EDUCATION:
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – added information for colleges on reporting actual or suspected cases through the education setting status form.
Awarding organisation appeals and complaints links
Contact details for complaints to awarding organisations offering vocational and technical qualifications in England – version updated with new links to provide more accurate information.
ENVIRONMENT:
Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Surge in smokers trying to quit see increased success rates in 2020
This year’s Stoptober campaign is calling on smokers to put their lungs first and breathe easier ahead of flu season.
Record numbers offered flu vaccine as those with flu and COVID-19 more likely to die
New Public Health England research suggests that people infected with both viruses between January and April were more at risk of severe illness and death.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by occupation, before and during lockdown, England and Wales: deaths registered between 9 March and 30 June 2020
Provisional analysis of deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) by occupation where the infection may have been acquired either before or during the period of lockdown.
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund
Sets out the infection control measures that the infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – added updated document ‘Reporting template: annex E of circular’ and updated deadline to 30 September 2020.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers. The guidance on testing kits has been re-written for both patients and the public and for manufacturers to make it clearer to understand.
PPE deliveries (England): 14 September to 20 September 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
Allocation of COVID-19 swab tests in England
The government’s allocation of testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible providers can now use the portal to order PPE for COVID-19 requirements, rather than as an emergency top-up system. The guidance has been updated to reflect this. Added information about when to use the National Supply Disruption Response.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Adult social care: coronavirus (COVID-19) winter plan 2020 to 2021
The government’s ambitions for the sector and the challenges facing adult social care this winter.
Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce: report on first phase of COVID-19 pandemic
This report sets out the progress and learning from the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in informing advice and recommendations to government and the social care sector.
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 – updated related deaths time series spreadsheet with latest figures.
SAGE meetings, September 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in August 2020.
Minutes for SAGE meetings 54 and 55 published. SPI-M-O consensus statement added under SAGE meeting 55.
SAGE 55 minutes: Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, 3 September 2020
Record of the discussion that took place at SAGE’s fifty-fifth meeting.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England and Wales, 18 September 2020
Results include estimates for England and for Wales. This survey is carried out in partnership with IQVIA, Oxford University and UK Biocentre.
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE:
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If someone does not wish to share their details, provides incorrect information or chooses not to scan the NHS QR code. Hospitality venues must refuse entry to a customer or visitor who does not provide their name and contact details, is not in a group (for which one other member has provided name and contact details), or who has not scanned the NHS QR code.
Create a coronavirus NHS QR code for your venue
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This week commencing Monday 21 September 2020, summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
Full list of Crown Courts that have resumed jury trials updated
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)
A list of areas with additional local restrictions. Includes information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak.
Adult social care winter plan: letter from Minister for Care to local authorities
Letter from Helen Whateley, Minister for Care, to outline the expectations of local authorities in relation to the adult social care winter plan.
PROPERTY:
Eviction ban move sparks property industry outrage
Property industry trade bodies have slammed the government’s decision to extend the ban on evicting commercial tenants until the end of the year.
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Guidance for landlords and tenants and technical guidance on eviction notices updated to reflect new regulations for the possession action process.
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. Latest data table update added and edited text summary for the frequency of the statistics.
TRAVEL:
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
National Holidays and Just Go! Holidays have resumed operations
Some 96% of the 87 customers surveyed about the trip later said they would be happy to travel again under the same conditions, and would recommend the experience to their friends. When asked how they felt before the tour, a quarter said they felt nervous or wary, while 44% said they were optimistic or excited.
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