UK Hospitality update

 

UKHospitality is the single voice for the hospitality industry. In addition to our powerful lobby, we provide expert knowledge and industry updates to ensure our members have the right information and tools to support the running of their businesses. Working closely with Government to ensure the decisions made support the industry.

 

With the emergence of the Coronavirus we are providing our members with tailored updates through this time of uncertainty to ensure that they are kept informed of any developments that may affect them. As we champion the hospitality industry, and the severity of the situation, we are extending our updates to non-members. We want to ensure that all hospitality businesses are kept up to date and informed as the outbreak continues. Access to practical one on one guidance and tailored advice on other subjects will remain restricted to members only.

 

If you would like to learn more about how we support the hospitality sector contact a member of our team membership@ukhospitality.org.uk

 

UKHospitality

 

 

Political Briefing

Today’s briefing was led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and he was joined by Professor John Newton, coordinator of the national testing effort. The briefing focused on the production of PPE, a new drug trial and the latest testing numbers.

The daily figures which have been released show across the UK as a whole, the lowest number of deaths from coronavirus for 6 weeks and no deaths in NI for the first time. Just over 8,800 people remain in hospital

Hancock confirmed that there were now contracts in place to manufacture 2 billion items of PPE in the UK and 100 new world wide supply deals, starting to replenish stockpiles.

He also confirmed the UK will participate in the world’s largest trial of potential COVID treatments of anti-viral drug Remdesivir, which can shorten recovery time by 4 days

During the Q&A, Phil Coleman from the News and Star newspaper in Cumbria asked what tools will be available to local health officials, given the release from lockdown will be nationwide but there may be regional outbreaks. He also noted that local health leaders in Cumbria are concerned about a regional flare-up in the Lake District brought in by visitors – the Lake District welcomed 47 million visitors last year, but the local health infrastructure can accommodate 0.5 million. Would the government consider regional lockdowns? Hancock replied that regional lockdowns in response to flare-ups will feature in future plans.

 

Government Update

The Government updated guidance on Friday on accessing green spaces in England which includes a provision for visiting ticketed gardens in line with social distancing guidelines, providing no refreshment facilities are provided

On Sunday, the Prime Minister confirmed the opening of outdoor retail from 1 June with all other non-essential retail reopening on 15 June. Official guidance has been updated for shops, branches and other retail spaces on working safely during COVID-19. Opening will be contingent on businesses following this guidance, and the Government will have the power to compel compliance. Businesses will need to carry out and publish a risk assessment on their websites.

The Government has announced the new Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, making £50 million available for councils to support the safe reopening of local high streets and other public spaces.

Businesses such as B&Bs, food businesses who are non-ratepayers and other micro businesses who have previously been excluded from Government discretionary grants’ scheme because they were in receipt of Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) are now eligible to apply for the Local Authority Discretionary Fund.

 

Travel updates

Following the Government’s announcement on Friday, new information has been published to clarify the latest rules to enter the UK and the full list of exemptions to the 14-day quarantine requirement.

Portsmouth International Port has installed a thermal scanner to scan passengers’ temperatures before boarding cruises and ferries.

Ryanair will restore 40% of flights from 1 July, subject to Government restrictions on intra-EU flights being lifted and effective public health measures being implemented at airports.

LATAM Airlines Group, one of Latin America’s largest air carriers, have filed for bankruptcy.

Denmark on 25 May reopened its borders to individuals with permanent residence in the Nordic countries or Germany, permitting travel under four defined circumstances.

Spain has announced that the country will welcome international visitors starting in July, and that major professional sports leagues including La Liga will be allowed to resume during the week of 8 June.

The Government has made available £283 million to increase the frequency and capacity of bus and light rail services so that travellers may better observe social distancing guidelines.

Visa extensions for those unable to leave the UK because of COVID-19 have been extended to 31 July 2020.

 

Industry Update

Rt Hon Sir Patrick McLoughlin CH and Nick de Bois Appointed Chairs of VisitBritain and the Visit England Advisory Board. They replace Steve Ridgeway and Denis Wormwell in these positions. A brief bio on both appointments is available on the following links.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-secretary-of-state-has-appointed-rt-hon-sir-patrick-mcloughlin-ch-as-chair-of-the-british-tourist-authority

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-secretary-of-state-has-appointed-nick-de-bois-as-chair-of-the-visit-england-advisory-board

 

Situation update 26 May 2020

In total, 3.68m tests have been carried out in the UK including 109,979 yesterday. Of these 265,227 have tested positive, an increase of 2,004 cases since yesterday.

The death toll in the UK from COVID is 37,048 across all settings, with 134 deaths across the UK yesterday.

To see the number of cases of COVID-19 in England and the UK visit the UK COVID-19 dashboard - https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

To see the number of cases globally see the World Health Organisation dashboard - https://covid19.who.int/