14th July: Coronavirus latest news

UK STATISTICS

Total UK Cases: 5,191,459 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,660 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 3,341, +263 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 50
Total UK deaths: 128,481
England Cases per 100,000: 277
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.5

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 45,978,017
Total 2^nd doses: 34,997,491
Daily 1^st doses: 54,296
Daily 2nd doses: 125,360

There have been 5.1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 128,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. Nearly 46 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Latest Stockport data:

Total Stockport cases: 26,558 to 13 July
Cases in the latest week: 1,195, up 170 on previous week
Total deaths: 728 to July 2nd
Cases per 100,000: 407 per 100,000 week ending 8 July
R number in North West: 1.1 – 1.2

Stockport vaccine data:

1^st dose: 83% of adults to 12 July
2^nd dose: 65%

The R value and growth rate in England
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.3 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 2 July 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences

UK NEWS UPDATES:

More work needed on jobs and housing to level-up UK regions
A new report published by financial services group, Legal & General, has found despite large-scale infrastructure investments, more work is needed on jobs and housing to level up the most deprived parts of the UK. Legal & General launched the L&G Rebuilding Britain Index in April to establish quarterly progress on rebalancing the UK’s economic prosperity away from London and South East England. The research surveys 20,000 people across 52 measures, including Health and Social care, Education, Housing, Jobs & Economic Prosperity, Environment, Energy, Transport and Digital. The most recent index showed that despite economic growth as the economy has begun to reopen after Covid-19, and the announcement of a number of large-scale government investment plans, access to quality, affordable housing has fallen slightly across the country.

Face coverings remain mandatory on London transport network
Face coverings must be worn on London’s transport network despite restrictions easing on 19 July, London’s mayor says. Sadiq Khan said he was not prepared to put Tube, bus and other transport users at risk by relaxing the rules on face coverings. Face masks have been mandatory on public transport for the past year to reduce the spread of the virus. But those rules will be replaced with government guidance advising passengers to wear masks only on busy services. England is removing most of its Covid restrictions next Monday, and while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he expects masks to be worn in crowded places, such as on a busy Tube train, their use will no longer be compulsory.

Inflation rate rises to 2.5% as economy opens up
The UK inflation rate hit 2.5% in the year to June, the highest for nearly three years, as the unlocking of the UK economy continued. The Consumer Prices Index measure of inflation rose from 2.1% in May, the Office for National Statistics said, driven by higher food and fuel costs. The rate is higher than the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target for a second month. That will fuel the debate about whether interest rates need to go up. Food shopping, eating out, clothing and footwear have seen prices rise as well as fuel which continues to rise

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

MAN Energy Solutions confirms world-first LAES CRYOBattery project
MAN Energy Solutions has formally signed a contract to provide its LAES turbomachinery solution to Highview Power’s CRYOBattery facility.
The signing took place at Highview’s London offices and follows on the agreement previously reached by the companies in April 2021. Highview, a global leader in long-duration, energy-storage solutions, is currently constructing a 50 MW liquid-air energy storage (LAES) facility – with a minimum of 250MWh – at Carrington Village, Greater Manchester. Wayne Jones OBE, Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board of MAN Energy Solutions is guest speaker at Marketing Stockport’s first 2021 event next Wednesday.

Stockport residents are being urged to look out for communication from the council in an annual canvass of electoral details, or risk losing their voice in future elections. The 2021 annual canvass ensures that Stockport Council can keep their electoral registration details up-to-date, allowing them to encourage any residents who are not registered to vote to do so. Residents are advised to keep an eye out for communication from Stockport Council, and follow the instructions on any correspondence to ensure that the electoral details for every address in Stockport are kept accurate. If they do not respond to inaccurate information, residents could lose their chance to have their say in important future local and general elections, so it’s crucial that everyone checks that their details are up-to-date.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:

COMMUNITY:

Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.

EDUCATION:

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 8 July 2021
A summary of attendance in education settings up to 1 July 2021 and early years settings up to 8 July 2021.

Laptops, tablets and connectivity progress data during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information about how many laptops, and tablets and 4G routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities, and academy trusts and FE colleges – added ‘Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 13 July 2021’.

Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated ‘Exam centre responsibility for students retaking qualifications from summer 2020 and summer 2021’ and ‘DfE exam support service: autumn 2021 exam fees, venues and invigilators’.

Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about the help made available to educational settings and local authorities to support remote and face-to-face education, and access to social care.

Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 13 July 2021
How many laptops, tablets and routers we’ve delivered to help disadvantaged children and young people access remote education.

EVENTS:

Events Research Programme – Ministerial Directions
Ministerial Directions in relation to the Events Research Programme pilot events – added Direction for F1, Silverstone.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – COVID-19 vaccination training slide set updated.

LEGAL:

Short-term options for health, welfare and financial decisions
Find out about the ways people can make certain decisions for you or do certain things on your behalf – changing the time taken to register an LPA from 8 weeks to 20 weeks

Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – change registration time from 15 weeks to 20 weeks

LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Business and charity support; Local government finance and funding; National restrictions; Public health; Schools and education; Social care; Travel; Vaccines; Other.

PROPERTY:

Wealthy homeowners benefit most from pandemic economic fallout
The Covid-19 crisis has been marked by so-called high-wealth households amassing savings and benefitting from rising house prices far more than those with little or no wealth. That’s the view of think tank the Resolution Foundation in a new report.
The study report examines how the pandemic has affected both the level and distribution of household wealth across Britain – from savings and debts, to property and other asset prices. It claims total household savings are £200 billion higher than they were pre-crisis, household debts (excluding credit cards) have fallen by around £10 billion and house prices – which had fallen by an average of 22 per cent over the previous four major recessions – have risen by eight per cent since February 2020. The foundation says this has led to led to the first mid-recession wealth boom since the mid-1940s with total UK wealth rising by £900 billion over the pandemic to around £16.5 trillion.

TRANSPORT:

Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
Latest data table added.

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.

TRAVEL:

Spanish islands may move to amber list, national press reports
some newspapers reported that countries such as Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca currently on the UK foreign travel green list may be moved to amber.
Grant Shapps says the data will be reviewed and the decision on which countries are on which list will be made “in the next couple of days”. He says the lists are reviewed every three weeks and he has made it clear to people who are thinking about booking holidays that there is “always the chance that countries will move around”. Holidaymakers should make sure their bookings are refundable or amendable, he says.

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 – updated Returning Resident visa refund request email to CovidRRR@fco.gov.uk.

CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:

Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31^st May

Discretionary Grants summary:

As at 08/07/2021

Received: 2,911
Processed: 2,911 (100%)
Grants Funding Issued: £10,493,716

Restart Grants summary:

Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,780
Total value of payments made: £12,667,488

Stockport Council details of Government’s Restart Grant

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Applications closed on 30 June 2021

Covid-19 Webinars:

Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
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. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.

Make your workplace COVID-secure:

You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here

HMRC:

Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time

If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.

Brexit Webinars:

Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.

Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.

What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.

Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.

Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou

Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/

ACAS

A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown

Useful information and links:

Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:

Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions to June 21^st
Covid-19 Vaccine
Workplace Testing
Back To School translations
Stay Home translations

Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?

From 29 March:

People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):

All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place

Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):

People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
Six people or two households can meet indoors
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
International leisure travel may resume
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart

Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):

All legal limits on social contact will be removed
No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen

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 years
Businesses 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:

Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.

Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)

Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)

Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant

Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)

Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.

Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak

Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses

COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.

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.

Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.

New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.

Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.

Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.

If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.

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.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak

The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses

Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.

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.

New tools and 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.

Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk

Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk

Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus

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 – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

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.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

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

Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series

Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:

News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.

You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus

Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate SchemeFrom Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:

Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).

Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.

Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.