In the most recent week of complete data, 04 June 2021 – 10 June 2021, 5,942 cases were identified in London, a rate of 66 cases per 100,000 population. This compares with 3,896 cases and a rate of 44 for the previous week.In the same set of data, 39,321 cases were identified in England as a whole, a rate of 70 cases per 100,000 population. This compares with 24,971 cases and a rate of 44 for the previous week.
Up to and including 14 June 2021 4,802,343 people in London had received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 3,059,221 had received two doses. The online vaccination booking system is now available to those who are aged 21 or over or will turn 21 before 1 July 2021.
You can see the full latest epidemiological data for London here and the latest SCG dashboard is HERE.
Government updates
ROADMAP: Step 3 of the Government’s Roadmap will be extended by up to four weeks and the vaccination programme accelerated to respond to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, the Prime Minister has confirmed. Event pilots will continue, including some Euro 2020 matches, Wimbledon, and some arts and music performances at which attendees will show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.WEDDINGS, CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS, WAKES AND FUNERALS: From 21 June the rules for weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and celebrations, wakes and commemorative events for the deceased will change. There will no longer be a maximum number cap for attendees set out in law. Instead, the number of attendees will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. This will be based on COVID-19 risk assessment and measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
GLA updates
The Mayor of London has joined with business leaders, calling for an extension of COVID-19 support for business to avoid the impact of plans to reduce financial support for firms at the end of June. The Mayor is urging the Government to continue with its full package of financial support for businesses until the final lifting of restrictions. This includes a further extension to the 100% business rates holiday and the existing furlough scheme.
London Councils updatesRESPONSE: In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils said: “The latest announcement of a delay to the final step in the Roadmap will be a disappointment for many, but we need to use this extra time to get everyone vaccinated so we can reopen knowing that our communities are protected from the virus… We will also be clear with national Government and others that more resources will be needed to deliver vital local services and support businesses struggling to survive in this final push before restrictions end.”RECOVERY: London Councils has produced a briefing on the Levelling Up and Community Renewal Funds, making the case for investment in London. BUSINESS RATES: London Councils is advocating for early guidance on the £1.5bn business rates relief for supply chain and other industries built into forthcoming legislation regarding to the impact of the pandemic on the valuation of properties for business rates
ECONOMY: The UK economy grew 2.3% in April, its fastest monthly growth since July last year. Spending in non-essential shops drove much of the growth as customers were allowed back into stores from 12 April in England. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the figures were “a promising sign that our economy is beginning to recover”.
AVIATION: The Airline industry have asked for furlough support for aviation workers to be extended until April next year to protect jobs over the winter season. In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Airlines UK, a trade association representing UK carriers, said: “If a meaningful reopening is not possible during the summer then targeted economic support will be essential to ensure UK airlines are able to reach the point when a restart is possible, in order to protect many tens of thousands of jobs.”
RECOVERY: Over half of UK businesses are concerned about the potential impact of the Delta variant on their post-COVID-19 recoveries, according to new research from One World Express. Atul Bhakta, CEO of One World Express, said: “The research shows that confidence is returning among British businesses, but that confidence is fragile. The threat of new variants, which could disrupt the roadmap for fully lifting lockdown restrictions, is weighing heavily on business leaders’ minds.”
NIGHTTIME INDUSTRY: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents clubs and bars across the country, said one in four businesses will not survive longer than a month without additional financial support. NTIA boss Michael Kill said, “Any decision to delay without clarity on when they can open will leave us no other option but to challenge the government, standing alongside many other industries who have been locked down or restricted from opening for an extreme length of time, through no fault of their own, and at their own cost.”
HOSPITALITY: Hospitality chiefs in London say a four-week delay in lifting COVID-19 restrictions will be like “cancelling Christmas all over again” and demanded a fresh injection of emergency government support. The impact is likely to be worst for central London, where businesses had been hoping for a big jump in the number of office workers spending in the West End and the City. LIVE MUSIC: A four-week delay to the final lifting of lockdown in England is “devastating” to the nation’s live music scene, an industry body has said. Greg Parmley, CEO of LIVE, a body that speaks on behalf of the ‘UK’s live music ecosystem’, said: “Our research shows that a delay of a month would lead to the cancellation of over 5,000 planned events costing our industry hundreds of millions of pounds. ”
Key links and resources GLA: https://www.london.gov.uk/updates/news-feed – GLA coronavirus news feed London Councils: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/COVID-19 – Latest London Councils information and messaging. Transport for London: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/coronavirus – Safer travel guidance and advice. NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19/ – Latest NHS information and advice about COVID-19 including Social distancing, Testing and tracing, Self-isolation and Vaccination. PHE: https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources – Up to date coronavirus campaigns and resources
Key data sources UK Government: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ Official UK Government website for data and insight on Coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes a UK summary, an interactive map of the latest picture across the UK and the ability to view data for a specific area within the UK. GLA: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/coronavirus–COVID-19–cases – A summary of key data for London based on Public Health England daily updated data on confirmed cases of COVID-19-19 and related data published by NHS and Office of National Statistics.ONS: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases – Latest data and analysis on COVID-19 in the UK and its effect on the economy and society.