Please see the most recent COVID-19 bulletin below.
CONTENTS
Details on new local COVID Alert Levels set out by the Prime Minister
On the 12 October the Prime Minister announced how the government will further simplify and standardise local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England. There are different restrictions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
See the list of local COVID alert levels by area. A postcode checker is also available.
More information on local COVID alert levels in England is available, alongside guidance on the restrictions in place which includes information for businesses and venues, and going to work:
Kickstart Scheme - funding to create new job placements
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support: If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, you’re under a legal obligation to do so, and could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. This guidance sets out who can claim support and explains how to apply.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters: A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes. In an initiative between government and the independent charity Crimestoppers, the public can now call a new COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity.
Updates to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF): The CCFF provides temporary direct support to investment grade firms with short-term cash-flow problems and is designed to ensure that firms accessing government backed CCFF financing are able to repay. To ensure the CCFF continues to meet its objectives, the Treasury has introduced a new access review process. More here.
Defer your Self Assessment payment on account due to coronavirus: You had the option to defer your second payment on account if you were: registered in the UK for Self Assessment and finding it difficult to make that payment by 31 July 2020 due to the impact of coronavirus. Check what you need to do if, after 31 July 2020, you chose to defer your second payment on account for the 2019 to 2020 tax year. Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace: Guidance has been updated to add further clarification on the venues in scope of the policy. Guidance has also been added for hospitality venues on how to verify whether an individual has checked in on the NHS COVID-19 app.
Updates to local restrictions and travel corridors in England
Liverpool City Region. Local COVID Alert Level: very high
From 14 October, Liverpool City Region will be placed onto the ‘Very High’ Local Covid Alert Level. In addition to the baseline guidance for very high areas, the following businesses are not allowed to open in Liverpool City Region:
More information can be found here.
A list of areas with additional local restrictions is available here.
