Latest updates from the Government

Prime Minister Statement 16 October The Prime Minister provided an update on COVID-19 in his statement today, 16 October. ​​​​ Areas moving to higher Alert Levels The Government's COVID regulations (Alert levels of Medium, High & Very High) came into force on 14th October in England. From 00:01 Saturday 17th October Lancashire will move into Very High Alert Level. Also from 00:01 Saturday 17th October, the following areas will move into High Alert Level. This includes London, York, Barrow-in-Furness and Elmbridge. Also parts of Cumbria, Derbyshire and Essex.

The Postcode Checker enables people to quickly find out the COVID Alert Level in the areas that they live and work, to ensure people have up to date information of the regulations in their local area. When posting about alert levels please direct to this Postcode Checker tracked link: http://bit.ly/PostcodeNorth The following assets can be used when posting about alert levels: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/local-alert-levels/ Please also see these editable assets: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/local-alert-levels/resources/Co-branded-Posters/ ​​​​​​ Tweets about the changes to areas in the North can be seen below: ​​​​​​- https://twitter.com/HMGNorth/status/1317027648644808705 - https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet/status/1317082248877907968 ​​​​​​ Changes to Travel Restrictions

This week’s review of the Travel Corridor countries has concluded to remove Italy, San Marino and Vatican City State from the list of exempt countries. This is due to a significant increase in both the level and pace of confirmed cases in these countries. These removals apply in England only and will be effective from 04:00 on Sunday 18th October.

Crete is to be added to the list of exempt countries, following a reduction in the number of confirmed cases. This addition applies to England only and will also be effective from 04:00 on Sunday 18th October. Passengers arriving from Crete before this time will still need to self-isolate upon arrival into the UK and will be required to fill in a passenger locator form before returning home.

People currently in countries being removed from the exemptions list are encouraged to follow local rules, return home as normal (being mindful of possible changes to their travel plans) and check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice pages for further information.

Business Support

Support is available to businesses including the Job Support Scheme and Local Restrictions Support Grant. Businesses can apply for support using the Business support finder tool.

A reminder of the business support packages which can be accessed:

• Loans, tax relief and cash grants are available.

• Employers can apply for staff to get up to 80% pay if they can’t work.

• Self-employed people can receive up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least 3 months.