- Update – 16:30, 09.03.21 – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note that all of the information below has been added since the previous update on 04.03.21. Please use update to brief local partners.
- As of Tuesday, 9 March 2021, 4,228,998 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK (pillar 1 and 2) and there have been 124,797 deaths. Further information on the data is available here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
Announcements
- PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 8 March 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Supporting the reopening of outdoor hospitality Letter from Secretary of State Robert Jenrick to local authorities on government measures to support hospitality businesses to reopen safely. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Schools and colleges to reopen from tomorrow as part of Step One of the roadmap Step One of the roadmap begins tomorrow with pupils returning to face-to-face education. Updated: 7 March 2021
- Free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme. Updated: 6 March 2021
- Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 5 March 2021 Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Rail centre and green energy funding in Budget boost for Wales The extension of UK wide support schemes were also announced by the Chancellor in his 2021 Budget. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Mandatory form for international travel launched to prevent illegal trips From 8 March 2021, passengers travelling abroad will need to carry a new form stating that their trip is permitted under national lockdown rules. Updated: 5 March 2021
- New UK Government Covid testing site opens in Glenrothes The UK Government has today announced the opening of a new drive-through coronavirus testing centre in Glenrothes. Updated: 5 March 2021
- The Social Security (Claims and Payments, Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 Correspondence between SSAC and the minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Updated: 5 March 2021
- £79 million to boost mental health support for children and young people Millions more children and young people will have access to significantly expanded mental health services, backed by £79 million. Updated: 5 March 2021
Data Updates to Surveillance Reports and Dashboard
- COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England. Updated: 9 March 2021
- PPE deliveries (England): 1 March to 7 March 2021Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England. Updated: 9 March 2021
- Understanding the statistical implications of coronavirus (Covid-19) and EU Exit on the compilation of UK Trade statistics How the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the end of the EU Exit transition period impacted on the compilation of UK trade. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus and vaccine hesitancy by sub-group, Great Britain: 13 January to 7 February 2021 Analysis of differences in hesitancy to the Coronavirus vaccine between sub-groups of the population in Great Britain, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 13 January to 7 February 2021. Updated: 8 March 2021
- LSHTM, UCL and Bristol: Extremely high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a strictly-Orthodox Jewish community in the UK, 1 February 2021 Paper prepared by academics at various institutions on seroprevalence in the Orthodox Jewish community. Updated: 5 March 2021
- SPI-M-O: Medium-term projections, 17 February 2021 Medium-term projections prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O). Updated: 5 March 2021
- SPI-B: What are the potential behavioural effects of reducing the duration of quarantine for contacts?, 11 November 2020 Paper submitted by the Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours (SPI-B). Updated: 5 March 2021
- Dynamic CO-CIN report to SAGE and NERVTAG, 16 July 2020 Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG). Updated: 5 March 2021
- SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on COVID-19, 17 February 2021Consensus statement on COVID-19 by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O). Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 5 March 2021 Estimates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Comparison of furloughed jobs data, UK: March 2020 to January 2021 An overview of the similarities and differences between the fortnightly Business Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) survey furlough estimates and HMRC’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme data, over the period 23 March 2020 to 3… Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus and job vulnerability An article exploring which groups of employees are most likely to see their wages impacted because of the pandemic. Using Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2020 data, the article analyses the level of risk likely to… Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 5 March 2021 Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain. Updated: 5 March 2021
Information, advice and guidance
- Visiting arrangements in care homes Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents from 8 March. Updated: 9 March 2021
- Guidance on care home visiting Applies to: England This guidance applies from 8 March 2021 and replaces…
- Summary of guidance for visitors Single named visitor The government is asking all care homes to allow…
- Visiting arrangements: one-page overview Care homes, local health partners, families and residents can work…
- COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources British Sign Language (BSL) videos on COVID-19 vaccination. Updated: 9 March 2021
- BSL video guide on COVID-19 vaccination for eligible adults Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19…
- BSL video guide on COVID-19 for women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding Information video for all women of childbearing age, those currently…
- BSL video guide on what to expect after the COVID-19 vaccination Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.…
- BSL video guide of the COVID-19 vaccination consent form for adults British Sign Language (BSL) version of the COVID-19 vaccination consent…
- Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings List of critical workers (key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can access full-time education provision in the case of future restrictions on education during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated: 9 March 2021
- Children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings as confirmed by the Prime Minister on 22 February, based on the…
- Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver You must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test before you leave the UK for some countries – check which countries require them and how to get a free test. Updated: 9 March 2021
- Coronavirus: driving tests Find out how driving tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your driving test. Updated: 9 March 2021
- January 2021: further education and skills providers An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021. Updated: 9 March 2021
- Private providers of coronavirus testing Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19). Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national lockdowns (for closed businesses) The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to national lockdowns. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses) The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses) The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) and LRSG (Closed) Addendum: Tier 4) support businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national lockdown that began 5 January 2021. Updated: 8 March 2021
- COVID-19: letter to people identified as high risk – aged 70 and over Reference-only version of letter to people identified as high risk by COVID-19 population risk assessment model, aged 70 and over. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19) Information on the return of students for the spring term and HE operational guidance. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing is being used in locations in England where COVID-19 variants have been identified. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Face coverings in education Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus: driver and rider trainer guidance How driving instructors and motorcycle trainers should work safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), business support, and restrictions on driving lessons. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus: driving theory tests Find out how theory tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your theory test. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Managing lateral flow device (LFD) testing waste: RPS C25 When you can accept LFD testing waste coded 18 01 04 and 18 01 07 or 20 01 99 without varying your permit. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Arrangements for visiting out of the care home Sets out how care homes can support residents of working age on visits outside of the care home. Updated: 8 March 2021
- COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). Updated: 8 March 2021
- COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators. Updated: 8 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak. Updated: 8 March 2021
- NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. Updated: 8 March 2021
- National lockdown: Stay at Home Coronavirus remains a serious threat across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do. Updated: 8 March 2021
- 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: 7 March 2021
- What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19 Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) lateral flow testing in adult social care settings Sets out how adult social care services can carry out rapid lateral flow tests on site. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for British people travelling abroad during the coronavirus pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel under current UK COVID-19 restrictions. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Foreign travel insurance Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): disposing of waste How to dispose of your personal or business waste, including face coverings, personal protective equipment (PPE) and from lateral flow tests, during the coronavirus pandemic. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers. Updated: 5 March 2021
- HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Exceptional financial support for local authorities: capitalisation directions Details of capitalisation directions granted to local authorities that have requested exceptional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated: 5 March 2021
- COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus: How to help safely Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Quarantine arrangements for boarding school students from red list countries Guidance on students travelling to attend a boarding school in England who meet the UK entry requirements. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel Complete a travel declaration form to confirm that you are legally allowed to travel abroad from England. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff. Updated: 5 March 2021
- The R value and growth rate in the UK The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Lateral flow validation prioritisation criteria for rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens An overview of the future requirements for rapid COVID-19 diagnostic assays for antigen lateral flow devices. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): emergency funding for local government in 2020 to 2021 and additional support in 2021 to 2022 Allocations of additional funding to local authorities in financial year 2020 to 2021 and additional support for local government in financial year 2021 to 2022. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Help employers with the Kickstart Scheme (Kickstart gateway) Information for Kickstart gateways on how to help employers with the Kickstart Scheme and how to add job placements or employers to the grant agreement. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant If you’re an employer looking to create jobs placements for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme. Updated: 5 March 2021
- Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK. Updated: 5 March 2021
Marketing and communications materials – Updated 9 March 2021
Campaign Resource Centre
Newly added – a CRC user guide for partners.
New additions to the Campaign Resource Centre:
- Covid-19 Vaccine – Newly added video content for Cohort 6
- Coalition Assets – includes video content, social animations, suggested post copy
- British Liver Trust
- Diabetes UK
- Epilepsy Action
- Kidney Care UK
- Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives
- Social Animations – New content for childcare and isolation support bubbles
- Social Statics – New content for childcare and isolation support bubbles
- Workplace Testing
- Explainer Posters, Videos and Leaflet
- Booklet for older adults available to local authorities to prevent deconditioning through being active.
- The booklet supports older adults to keep active at home and reduce their risk of physical deconditioning and need for care during the pandemic. The booklet, which has been updated to reflect the current Covid-19 guidance, is aimed primarily at older adults for use by local authorities and other organisations who support them. The resource is available to download from the PHE Campaign Resource Centre. For local authorities in England that are unable to print copies, some copies can be provided on request in maximum quantities of 5,000. Please contact physicalactivity@phe.gov.uk if you have any questions.
BBC video content in 5 South Asian languages now available. Please share this content where appropriate through your channels. Content includes:
- Lockdown Mental Health Tips
- Vaccine Scams
- Lockdown rules explained
- Test and trace
- Vaccine explainer
- Vaccine Q&A
- Vaccine myths busting
LA comms – please use this to brief councillors, MPs etc.
LRF Comms – please use this update to brief LRF Chairs via their secretariat.
CET members – please cascade to your team leads.
ICC – please share with the Incident Lead
