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UK STATISTICS
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 13 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and almost 149,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 60% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 13,422,815 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 157,758 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 11,918 (1,035 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 48
Total UK deaths: 148,941
England Cases per 100,000: 1,530
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,800,798 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 12,121
Daily 2nd doses: 15,893
Daily Booster doses: 106,665
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 77,747
New cases in past 7 days: 6,914 to 30 Dec
Total deaths: 921
Cases per 100,000: 1,788
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2
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 NEWS UPDATES:
Government takes action to mitigate workforce disruption
The government has taken actions to mitigate workforce disruption cause by Omicron. The Prime Minister has tasked ministers to work closely with their respective sectors to test preparations and contingency planning so that disruption caused by increased COVID-19 infection is minimised in public services and supply chains. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay, is chairing regular meetings with ministers to closely monitor the impacts of Omicron on workforces and supply chains and monitor schools ahead of the return of pupils in the new year.
The government is also working with the public and private sector to develop plans to manage absences to ensure sectors are prepared and disruption is minimised.
England to continue with Plan B to protect NHS
England will continue with its Plan B Covid measures amid growing pressures on the NHS, Boris Johnson has said. The prime minister said it would be “folly” to think the pandemic was over and pressure on hospitals would be “considerable” over the coming weeks. However, he added the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations. The PM stressed Omicron looks less severe than other variants, despite it being “incredibly transmissible”.
Plan B measures are due to expire on 26 January, although they are expected to be reviewed today.
Secondary schools return with in-school testing and facemasks
The government ruled on Sunday that pupils should wear masks in classrooms for the first three weeks of term, bringing England in line with other parts of the UK. In-school testing is taking place in England. It also pledged 7,000 air filters would be available to the 20,000-plus schools in England. On Monday, Mr Zahawi said the government had learned a “painful lesson” about the impact of previous school closures. This was why he and the prime minister were determined to keep schools open, he said.
Covid impacts on business as staff shortages force closures
Staff shortages continue to blight retailers and hospitality firms, with one warning of closures if Covid absences worsen. Some firms saw 50% of staff off pre-Christmas, one employers’ group said. It comes as ministers consider how the public sector handles mass absences. The government has asked public sector managers to test their contingency plans against a worst-case scenario of 25% staff absence, as part of efforts to minimise disruption from surging infections from the Omicron variant of Covid.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Consultation launches on new Freight and Logistics Strategy for the North
A public consultation has launched on a new draft Freight and Logistics Strategy for the North of England, which outlines opportunities and challenges ahead for the sector and necessary action to decarbonise the industry. The draft strategy, developed by Transport for the North (TfN), showcases the importance of the sector in moving goods efficiently to drive economic recovery and growth in the region. The North is the destination or starting point for 25% of GB freight.
East Cheshire NHS Trust performs strongly in young people’s patient survey
East Cheshire NHS Trust, which operates Macclesfield Hospital and other local NHS services, has secured an above average rating for its care of children and young people following a patient experience survey. The trust has been rated ‘better than expected’ for the experiences of those aged eight to 15 in the latest Children and Young People’s Patient Experience Survey conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and published in December 2021. Children in this age group were positive in responses across the survey, seeing the trust rated above the national average.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
New year rules apply for exports between GB and the EU
From 1 January 2022, exports between Great Britain and the EU will be subject to full customs controls. This means that goods must be presented to customs and the export declarations must be entered into HMRC systems to decide if any further physical checks are required. If a physical examination is required, this will be conducted at an Inland Border Facility or at the designated customs checking facility within the frontier locations. Goods must not be exported without permission and a message must be sent after their departure. To support full customs controls on goods, particularly those locations with limited space or infrastructure, the government introduced the goods vehicle movement service (GVMS).
Read this Customs Information Paper (CIP) to find out what changes are happening at certain locations. The following changes relate to the ports using GVMS for exports from 1 January 2022. If the port is not using GVMS please follow the normal exports process.
Good news for high streets as consumers return for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve saw a “shift in behaviour” from the cautious attitude shown by shoppers ahead of Christmas, as high street footfall rose by more than 5%, according to retail experts. According to data from industry analyst Springboard, high street footfall increased by 5.2% across the UK on 31 December, when compared with the figures from a week earlier (Christmas Eve). This pattern is sharp contrast with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when New Year’s Eve high street footfall declined by 9% from the week before. The good news came despite a footfall drop of 15% across all UK retail destinations last week, versus the week before (the run-up to Christmas).
CARE:
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to reflect resident LFD testing following visits out of the care home are required every second day for 10 days, and to add that nominated visitors should remain the same wherever possible.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated title of the ending isolation infographic and clarified that self-isolation advice applies to children and young people.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Green investment to boost renewable energy and power construction
The value of renewable energy projects started during 2021 is on track to total £5 billion according to Glenigan’s market research. This figure is a rise of 70% on last year and six times the figure recorded for 2019. Glenigan’s economics director Allan Wilen says: “The Government’s path to ‘net zero’ will require substantial investment in the UK energy sector. The Energy White Paper sets out ambition of quadrupling offshore wind capacity to 40GW by 2030.” Offshore wind projects starting construction in the past two years have driven a strong increase in overall renewable energy projects. Construction began this year on a £3 billion expansion of Innogy Renewable’s Sofia Wind Farm off Redcar (Project ID: 19144506), but a host of other investments in energy and power are also moving through the pipeline.
EDUCATION:
Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms
On-site Covid lateral flow tests for secondary pupils on return to school, with students and staff encouraged to test twice a week
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Updated to include the use of face coverings in classrooms for year 7 and above.
Responsibility for exams
Updated ‘Public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’ with changes to the advice on face coverings and brought the guidance on self-isolation arrangements in line with other government guidance.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
One year anniversary of UK deploying Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
2.5 billion doses of the at-cost and UK-made vaccine have been administered across the world. One year ago today, Tuesday 4 January 2021, the UK became the first country in the world to administer the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Brian Pinker, 82, was the first person to receive the life-saving vaccine outside of clinical trials at Oxford University Hospital at 7.30am. Since then, around 50 million AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered in the UK, saving countless lives, keeping people out of hospital and reducing the pressure on the NHS.
UK marks 132 million life-saving COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021
Year rounded off with 1.6 million booster jabs in the final week.
HOSPITALITY
Check if you’re eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that have been.
PROPERTY:
Omicron set to hit viewing s and housing market in 2022
The surge in Omicron cases and possible future restrictions are set to hit the housing market in 2022 – and may even deter vendors from allowing some viewings.
Robert Gardner, chief economist at the Nationwide – which last week reported a 10.8 per cent annual house price increase across the UK in 2021 – says: “It appears likely that the housing market will slow [in 2022] since the stamp duty holiday encouraged many to bring forward their house purchase in order to avoid additional tax.
RETAIL:
IKEA confirms UK price increases due to Covid
Ikea has confirmed it has been forced to increase the average price of products in its UK stores due to rising supply chain costs, as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Swedish furniture specialist said it has been forced to increase prices in the UK by more than the global average (9%) due to “local market conditions”, including increased HGV and logistics costs. However, some items of flat-pack furniture have been increased by up to 50%, in a move that will add to consumers’ growing concern about the rising cost of living in 2022.
TRANSPORT:
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – HGV and coach drivers no longer need to take a PCR test before entry into Germany.
Haulier advice site locations
PCR testing at Doncaster North services has now stopped due to changes to entry requirements into Germany.
TRAVEL:
Travel abroad from England during coronavirus – updated 4th January
Useful links:
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.
Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
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
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
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