Latest data:
Testing: 1,291,000 people have now been tested for the virus
Positive tests: 190,584 people have tested positive
Hospital patients: From 16,395 to 14,220 in past week, a reduction of 13%
Loss of life: 28,734 people have died across all settings, 288 more deaths since the previous day’s figures
In Stockport: there are 873 cases of Covid-19, 22 up on previous day
Updates from Government Daily Briefing on 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.
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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport collaborates to launch Covid-19 business recovery website
As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of influential business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
When the Government announced its lockdown measures in mid-March, Stockport Council convened the Stockport Economic Resilience Group to support businesses and the local economy in response to the impact of coronavirus.
The SER group – that meets online throughout each week – is a partnership of private and public sector representatives, collaborating to coordinate a swift and effective response to the economic impacts that the crisis has brought to the borough’s business community.
The new website provides a portal to a wealth of information and support tools to help businesses quickly navigate their way through the complexities brought about as a result of the coronavirus. It delivers easy access to information and support tools designed to help businesses and the economy recover from the considerable impact of Covid-19, including a forum where users can seek advice, share experiences and discuss ideas.
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson comments on the new website
The ‘SK Recovery’ website – https://skbusinessrecovery.co.uk – is also a platform to showcase innovation, where businesses have been inspired to revise their business models, to look for opportunities, to trial new ideas and to launch new products.
The website provides access to a valuable resource normally only available to those who have the means to secure an experienced and expensive executive board. The Stockport Recovery Support Board, a team of experienced professionals, will be on hand to provide expert guidance via a regular webinar and to support businesses to develop their recovery plan.
The site will also share ideas on how to manage the crisis on a day-to-day basis, and to build recovery for the future as the borough moves through the various phases returning to a new normal.
Stockport lender approved as partner for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme:
Stockport based Johnson Reed has been accepted and approved by Accredited Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) Lenders as an Accredited Lending Partner, allowing businesses and suppliers the opportunity to apply for vital business finance.
As an approved intermediary, the business finance specialist can make applications for companies that have been trading for a minimum of 3 years, applying for loans between £50,000 and £250,000 with a guaranteed APR of below 9 per cent and no repayments due for the first 12 months.
To be eligible, businesses must be UK-based with a turnover of less than £45m, of which more than 50 per cent must come from trading activity rather than investments.
Help us to help you and your business
We are really concerned about the impact covid19 is having on you, your business and your people and realise the unprecedented situation that you are experiencing at the moment. Totally Stockport and Stockport Council want to understand the challenges facing your organisation once you consider resuming your business so that we can provide the right help, support and advice for our businesses and local economy to recover.
Please complete this short survey (7-8 questions) to help us to understand what help is needed – by taking part you will be supporting us all to rebuild our economy together. Please encourage all of your contacts and networks to take part in the survey so that we can get as much information as possible.
Visit www.bidsurvey.com and help them to help you.
Webinars:
6th May: How to influence a hybrid parliament More info / book here
7th May: Property management tips on coronavirus More info / book here
15th May: Stakeholder Mapping in a Covid-19 lockdown More info / book here
26th May: Is more devolution key to recovery? More info / book here
HMRC: Recorded webinars on YouTube
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – general information
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – how to make a claim
HMRC: Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
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/
Latest updates
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.
EDUCATION:
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.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS FINANCE:
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.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 50 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £50,805,000 across 4,390 qualifying businesses and 80.2% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020. If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form.
If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Webinars and videos from HMRC are now available, advising businesses on how to deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus, and how to access support.
ACAS runs a series of webinars on employment law and employment relations
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Tuesday 12th May Book here
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Thursday 14th May Book here
Covid-19 Business Grant Funding Documentation
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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.
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”
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.
Useful Links:
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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:
Bank of England – Financial Support:
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision:
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions:
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
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.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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.
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
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Last chance to get the winter Covid-19 booster 
Stockport hosts further pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics ahead of Christmas