Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page summary
This brief explains that the introduction of the domestic reverse charge for construction services will be delayed from 1 October 2020 until 1 March 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus on the construction sector.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
8:28am, 5 June 2020
MHRA regulatory flexibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page summary
Guidance for industry on flexible approaches to regulation we are taking during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Change made
Added information on audits of Notified Bodies and manufacturers in the ‘Medical Devices’ section
Time updated
8:57am, 5 June 2020
Deaths Registered in Northern Ireland – Week ending 29 May 2020
Page summary
Deaths Registered in Northern Ireland – Weekly Statistics – Week ending 29 May 2020
Change made
First published.
Time updated
9:30am, 5 June 2020
Page summary
This release presents findings from examining death registrations which do not mention coronavirus (COVID-19), to understand the apparent increase in deaths compared to the previous five-year average for deaths in the same weeks. It suggests hypotheses for why a greater number of deaths not related to COVID-19 are observed, and explains how analysis of the death registration data supports or contradicts them.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
9:30am, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, 5 June 2020
Page summary
This release provides initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
9:30am, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 5 June 2020
Page summary
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 28 May to 31 May 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
9:30am, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Advice for manufacturers, members of the public and professional users of software or apps being used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
10:30am, 5 June 2020
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page summary
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made
Added a link to new guidance on the regulatory status of software (including apps) used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with coronavirus (COVID-19), in the ‘Medical Devices’ section
Time updated
11:21am, 5 June 2020
Senior civil servant and former lecturer in medical statistics appointed to Joint Biosecurity Centre
Page summary
Dr Clare Gardiner has been seconded to the role of Director General of the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) at DHSC to take it through to full operating capability.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
11:58am, 5 June 2020
Staying safe outside your home
Page summary
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible.
Change made
From 15 June, you must wear a face covering on public transport.
Time updated
12:23pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Page summary
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak.
Change made
From 15 June, you must wear a face covering on public transport.
Time updated
12:23pm, 5 June 2020
UK statement on the WTO Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation
Page summary
The UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Julian Braithwaite, delivered this statement at a meeting for the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation on 5 June 2020. This meeting was convened by the Australian Permanent Representative to the WTO, Ambassador Frances Lisson.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
12:32pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for accommodation providers
Page summary
Guidance and advice for those providing hotel and other accommodation in the UK.
Change made
Guidance updated
Time updated
1:30pm, 5 June 2020
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Page summary
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made
We have added a clarification on the requirement for providers to carry the appropriate insurance (for example, public liability insurance) to cover all premises from which they provide childcare or childminding.
Time updated
1:31pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Wearing facemasks in a community setting – options and evidence, 16 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Face mask use in the community, 13 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Rapid review prepared by UNCOVER on face masks for the general population.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Case definitions for contact tracing, 7 May 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Duration of infectiousness following symptoms onset in COVID-19, 13 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus in pregnancy and delivery: rapid review and expert consensus, 9 March 2020
Page summary
Rapid review prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Distance, time, handshakes, 12 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Home Office: Scientific advice on restricting flights from specific countries, 22 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the Home Office for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Collation of hospital transmission data from HPZone, 5 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person.
Change made
The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 as of 5 June 2020.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
SPI-B: Current adherence to behavioural and social interventions in the UK, 22 March 2020
Page summary
Comments prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
SAGE’s priorities, 26 February 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Clinical virology of SARS-CoV-2, 17 February 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: When to stop contact tracing – developing triggers from PHE systems, 20 February 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Kings College London (KCL) on the loss of smell and taste with COVID-19.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV: What do we know about children?, 9 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Serological surveillance – summary report 3, 6 May 2020
Page summary
Update paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: COVID-19: Draft contact tracing operating model, 23 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
COVID-19 symptom timing, 27 April 2020
Page summary
Analysis by King’s College London (KCL) and ZOE.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Real time model – initial results, 1 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Key issues for contact tracing for consideration by NERVTAG, 23 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Serological surveillance – summary report 2, 28 April 2020
Page summary
Update paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: The effectiveness of interventions in Italy, 23 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence in Santa Clara County, California, 27 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by academics in California.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Serological surveillance of COVID-19 in England: sera collection protocol, 4 March 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Are asymptomatic people with 2019nCoV infectious?, 28 January 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral load by patient age, 30 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by academics on an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral load by patient age.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Cohort study looking at the factors associated with COVID-19 related hospital deaths.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PHE: Community surveillance following the lifting of restrictions, 16 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Time series clustering of COVID-19 symptoms, 16 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Kings College London (KCL) and ZOE.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Associations between symptoms and COVID-19 infection, 16 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by Kings College London (KCL).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
NERVTAG: Assessment of pre-symptomatic transmission of COVID-19, 30 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
Ethnic composition and outcomes of COVID-19 patients, 28 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by academics on the ethnic composition and outcomes of COVID-19 patients.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
How best to use limited tests? Improving COVID-19 surveillance in long-term care, 19 April 2020
Page summary
Paper prepared by academics on improving COVID-19 surveillance in long-term care.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:00pm, 5 June 2020
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Page summary
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:05pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Change made
Updated guidance for young people to reflect that those who are shielding can now leave their homes.
Time updated
2:17pm, 5 June 2020
Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund
Page summary
This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work.
Change made
We are now re-opening the remaining £1.85 million fund for applications on a rolling ‘first come first served’ basis. The Fund Prospectus remains the same, with minor updates and clarifications to help bidders in submitting their applications. Added list of successful bids, and added vendor form.
Time updated
2:22pm, 5 June 2020
Over 100 frontline domestic abuse charities given government funding
Page summary
Over 1,500 bed spaces will be provided to support survivors of domestic abuse at risk during the pandemic backed by £8.1 million government support.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:22pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
2:47pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
Page summary
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.
Change made
We have updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 38 papers on health issues.
Time updated
2:50pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from English border rules
Page summary
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new English border rules introduced due to coronavirus. The rules will apply to travellers to the UK from 8 June 2020.
Change made
Updated to add links to the Public Health passenger locator form
Time updated
2:51pm, 5 June 2020
COVID-19: background information
Page summary
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
Change made
Updated global case numbers.
Time updated
2:59pm, 5 June 2020
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
Page summary
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Change made
Updated figures.
Time updated
3:43pm, 5 June 2020
COVID-19: PHE assessment of laboratory tests and assays
Page summary
Information, resources and guidance relating to the evaluation of COVID-19 tests.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
3:51pm, 5 June 2020
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
Page summary
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel.
Change made
Addition of: directed letter – school children’s visits for overseas-assigned service personnel – interim arrangements during period of COVID-19 border restrictions.
Time updated
4:03pm, 5 June 2020
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Page summary
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Change made
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) added for the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Time updated
4:13pm, 5 June 2020
Use of blood plasma donations to treat COVID-19: recommendations from SaBTO
Page summary
Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) on the use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
4:19pm, 5 June 2020
Universities Minister sets out support for international students
Page summary
International Education Champion appointed to support international students and the higher education sector during Covid-19
Change made
First published.
Time updated
4:23pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: guidance for research organisations
Page summary
Guidance for those involved in research, including research organisations in receipt of public funding through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
4:25pm, 5 June 2020
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page summary
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Change made
Information in box at the top of the page updated with how the scheme is changing.
Time updated
4:38pm, 5 June 2020
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page summary
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made
Information in the box at the top of the page updated with how the scheme is changing.
Time updated
4:38pm, 5 June 2020
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page summary
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made
Information in box at the top of the page updated with how the scheme is changing.
Time updated
4:39pm, 5 June 2020
Work out 80% of your employees’ wages to claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page summary
Find out how to calculate 80% of your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions (NICs) and pension contributions if you’ve furloughed staff due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made
Information in box at the top of the page updated with how the scheme is changing. Information added to define the claim period. Information added about amending claims and what to do if too much is claimed from the scheme.
Time updated
4:48pm, 5 June 2020
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page summary
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made
Information in the box at the top of the page updated with how the scheme is changing. Contact HMRC information updated to explain that HMRC cannot answer queries about specific claims.
Time updated
4:49pm, 5 June 2020
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Page summary
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.
Change made
Update for week commencing 8 June 2020 published.
Time updated
5:00pm, 5 June 2020
Page summary
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
6:00pm, 22 May 2020
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 5 June 2020
Page summary
Press conference slides and datasets used by The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
5:03pm, 5 June 2020
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Page summary
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
Change made
Addition of slides and datasets for 5 June 2020.
Time updated
5:05pm, 5 June 2020
Ban on evictions extended by 2 months to further protect renters
Page summary
Renters across England and Wales will receive greater protection after the government extended the suspension of new evictions until 23 August.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
5:27pm, 5 June 2020
Case fatality in hospitalised patients after 23 March 2020, 11 May 2020
Page summary
Report for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
6:00pm, 22 May 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Page summary
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Change made
Added information and link to book a courier collection for used testing kits in care homes.Replaced ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘guidance on non-Randox testing’.Removed: ‘This testing is currently only available in England. At the moment, you can only get tests if your care home looks after older people or people with dementia.’
Time updated
6:07pm, 5 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Page summary
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made
Update to confirm arrangements for trainees not recommended for qualified teacher status (QTS) in the 2019 to 2020 academic year.
Time updated
6:16pm, 5 June 2020
Funding: ITT coronavirus (COVID-19) course extensions 2019 to 2020
Page summary
Guidance about funding extensions to initial teacher training (ITT) courses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
6:17pm, 5 June 2020
Face masks and coverings to be worn by all NHS hospital staff and visitors
Page summary
All staff in hospitals in England will be expected to wear surgical masks from 15 June. All visitors and outpatients will be expected to wear face coverings at all times.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
6:50pm, 5 June 2020
SPI-M-O: Consensus view on the impact of mass school closures, 10 February 2020
Page summary
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Change made
First published.
Time updated
6:00pm, 22 May 2020
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Page summary
This document provides guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures.
Change made
Guidance updated to reflect current regulations.
Time updated
7:24pm, 5 June 2020
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 5 June 2020
Page summary
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave the 5 June 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Change made
First published.
Time updated
7:24pm, 5 June 2020
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
Page summary
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
Change made
Added Target Product Profiles for Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) Antibody tests to help determine if people have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Time updated
9:24pm, 5 June 2020