October 21st: Coronavirus latest updates

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UK HEADLINES:

Government imposes tier 3 restrictions across Greater Manchester
The Government has announced that Greater Manchester, including Stockport, will enter the Very High Tier 3 area at one minute past midnight on Thursday night affecting the 2.8 million residents of the region. From this coming Friday morning the region will have additional restrictions imposed including the closure of 1,809 pubs for a period of at the very least four weeks. Hospitality venues with a **‘substantial food offering**’ may stay open.
Talks ended at 2pm yesterday afternoon when the Government failed to agree to provide an additional £65m financial support package. The Government had offered £60m which Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said is still on the table.
Following the PM’s announcement, Andy Burnham said: “I know this is going to be a difficult time for you. We took this stand for you. We will carry on fighting for you. We will carry on putting your health first. But health is more than the virus. We will support people’s health in the broadest possible sense. So tough days lay ahead. Please, everybody, observe the law at all times and follow the public health advice. Above all else, please look out for each other, as I know you will.”
** This has been defined in a statement from the Cabinet Office:
‘It is clear that there is a difference between a meal and a snack, such as crisps. There is no prescribed limit for how long a meal is expected to take, however we expect people to act reasonably, and for venues to take action to prevent people flouting the rules. Venues will face enforcement action from local authorities where they fail to comply. Substantive meals are a well-established concept under existing licensing rules. The Licensing Act 2003 (Section 149) has a legal concept of “alcohol allowed with table meals.” This allows for 16 and 17 year olds to have alcohol with an adult with a sit down table meal.

Businesses facing closure due to the imposition of new restrictions can secure additional support via the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme (LSRG). LRSG supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government – check your eligibility here.

The Council is waiting for the detailed information about what financial support is to be made available to businesses in Stockport that will be instructed to close under Tier 3 restrictions. More information on this will be made available as soon as it is possible to do so.

This is the latest information available on the Government website:

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.

Local COVID alert level: very high (Greater Manchester)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Greater Manchester.

Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 20 October 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 20 October 2020
Slides and datasets on coronavirus presented by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

South Yorkshire to move into tier 3 – Very High Risk area
Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley will come under the strictest level of restrictions and rules from 00:01 this Saturday. The Government has allocated a £41million support package for local businesses and public health teams.
Local COVID alert level update for South Yorkshire

Tier 3 restrictions standardised as gyms stay open but soft play areas close
Liverpool City Region’s gyms will be able to reopen this week while soft play areas are to close after Number 10 agreed to standardise the tough Tier 3 lockdown rules. There had been anger across the region that gyms and leisure centres were forced to close as the region was placed into the highest tier of the government’s Covid alert system. Lancashire, which was also placed into the highest tier last week, was allowed to keep its gyms open, and Greater Manchester was yesterday afforded the same deal.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests:                        762,542 have tested positive (+ 21,331 new cases)
Loss of life:                            *43,967 across all settings (+241 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport:             862 cases 11 Oct to 17 Oct (+67 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport:             294 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 102)
Deaths in Stockport:            378 coronavirus-related registered to 09 October
Total cases in Stockport:     5,180 to 20 October

*Daily reported COVID deaths are 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 1.3-1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +7% per day as of 16 October 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.

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.

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 / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

A new mental health crisis centre has officially opened in Stockport town centre, after operating remotely for the past six months.
The Open Door Safe Haven in Princes Street, should have opened in April, but due to lockdown had to limit its support to telephone or video calls. This free walk-in service provides immediate crisis management and emotional support to any resident of Stockport aged 18 and over. The virtual support will continue for those who wish it.

Welcome to the One Stockport Virtual VideoBooth!

Stockport, we’ve been on such a journey this year. We’ve pulled together as One Stockport to deal with everything 2020 has thrown at us. We’re still living with covid and all its challenges, but we’re also thinking to the future – our future together. We don’t just want to build back after covid, we want to build back better. We want to create a positive future for everyone in Stockport – by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health and wellbeing. Whatever the future holds, it should be shaped by what’s important to the people of Stockport. And that’s you. So, please use our Virtual VideoBooth to tell us your views – we’re listening!

For taking the time to tell us your thoughts you will be entered into a free prize draw (simply complete the additional information at the end) to be in with a chance of winning an iPad or a two month gym membership for two people, as well as one of six One Stockport tote bags. Find out more HERE

By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated guidance on staging and capacity (section 3.2)

The JRS scheme closes on 31?????? October and you will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? November.

Stockport Business Support coronavirus recovery

As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.

COMMUNITY:

DIGITAL:

GM businesses offered free online tools to build on digital offering
Greater Manchester businesses impacted by COVID will be offered free support to build their online presence and reach a wider market as part of a new scheme. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Business Growth Hub have partnered with THG Ingenuity, the technology services division of Manchester-based THG, to launch Greater Manchester Digital Drive, an initiative which provides businesses with free access to ‘off the shelf’ tools to help them get online or improve their existing digital offer. Through the initiative, businesses will be able to access THG Ingenuity’s Dotable platform so they can create and host a website for free for up to 12 months, building an online presence without any financial investment or risk.

EDUCATION:

How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe – updated section on who needs to complete the form, to include special post-16 institutions. Also updated list of questions on the form for further education settings.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

COVID-19: supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Guidance for care staff who are supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to include guidance on local COVID-19 alert levels, updated links to accessible resources and removed outdated links to easy-reads.

New partnership with The Alan Turing Institute and Royal Statistical Society to support Joint Biosecurity Centre COVID-19 response
This new partnership will provide further independent statistical modelling and machine learning expertise to support the government’s response to COVID-19.?

Health Secretary warns of long-term effects of COVID-19 as new film released
New data suggests long COVID affects around 10% of 18 to 49 year olds who become unwell with COVID-19.

COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response – participants
List of participants of SAGE and related sub-groups. A new Ethnicity Subgroup has been added along with its participants.

JUDICIARY:

HMCTS telephone and video hearings during coronavirus outbreak
Information about how HMCTS will use telephone and video technology during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

PROPERTY:

Student landlords in the North and Midlands see best yields
A new report from The Mistoria Group, specialists in high-yielding property investment, backs up this data, with findings showing student property in the North West (particularly HMOs) are significantly outperforming standard buy-to-let, on both yields and return on investment.

TRAVEL:

TTG: Airport testing could save two million jobs
“Latest WTTC research shows the positive effect airport testing will have to revive international air travel, bring back jobs and resuscitate the global economy. Almost 20 million jobs across Europe could be saved, including three million in Germany, 1.93 million in the UK, 1.91 million in Italy and more than 1.5 million in France.

“That is why we support the introduction of schemes at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris, Heathrow in London and the recent trial which took place between Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and Milan Linate. We hope this will inspire other countries to follow their lead and implement similar initiatives.”

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.

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:

Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.

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: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.

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.

Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.

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.

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.

Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.

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 24^th September

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

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.

New 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

Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures

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.

Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.

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.

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

Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11^th 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.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.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk

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

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 – 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.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

Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures

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

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

Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/

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

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:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries

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/

Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match

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.

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 Scheme
From 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.