UKHospitality COVID-19 Daily 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.

Today’s press briefing was led by Dominic Raab and Jonathan Van Tam. The update focussed on a health update, testing and the update of anosmia symptoms (the loss of smell and taste) being added to the self-isolate advice.

The Government has now announced that anyone with COVID19 symptoms can now get a test by booking on line and that, with 21,000 contact tracers in England, the Government will now implement a test and trace programme for all positive test results. That programme is absolutely key in move forward in easing lock down further.

When asked about the proposed quarantine measures for passengers arriving into the UK. On the new advice he said that the virus had now spread internationally, and as we drive down our infection rate there must be action to limit inbound infection.

During the Q+A there was a question on camping, Van Tam said that he stands ready to give advice on this when the Government asks for it.

A question from Wales asked about the divergence in advice and tourists still visiting North Wales. Raab said that there had been good cooperation between the devolved nations, and that different levels of lockdown were understandable given different R rates. He said that people need to be mindful of the different regulations in place.

You can watch the full briefing here.

 

Latest Government updates

The UK Government has announced an additional £58 million to help the devolved administration in Scotland respond to the challenge of the coronavirus.

An extra £35 million to support Wales in the fight against coronavirus has been announced.

 

Wales roadmap published

A traffic light roadmap was published by the Welsh Government on Friday, detailing how Wales could exit the coronavirus lockdown. It contains no specific dates for the lifting of restrictions but does outline a phased approach on the basis of public health

The traffic light system  suggests accommodation without shared facilities could re-open in the 2nd amber phase together with some leisure and small weddings, with pubs, restaurants and customer contact industries reopening last and with physical distancing restrictions

Welsh Government will also be consulting with partners over the next few days on developing guidance. Culture and Tourism is listed as one area of consultation and we have shared with them the UKHospitality protocols and best practice.

 

Devolved Administrations

Nicola Sturgeon gave a press briefing today announcing that a route map for the lifting of lockdown measures in Scotland will be published on Thursday. She said the measures could begin to be lifted from 28 May. She also said that this would mean people could meet someone from another household as long as social distancing is maintained and more outdoor activities and sports like golf and fishing will also be allowed.

First Minister Arlene Foster in a briefing today has announced some easing of lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland as part of the first step of their recovery plan. Outdoor gatherings of up to 6 will be allowed, places of worship can open for individual prayer and some outdoor activities will be permitted - these measure are allowed but social distancing and public hygiene must be observed.

 

Situation update 18 May 2020

2.68m tests for coronavirus have now been carried out in the UK. That includes 100,678 tests carried out yesterday.

246,406 people have tested positive, that’s an increase of 2,684 cases since yesterday.

9,408 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus, down 13% from this time last week.

34,796 have now died. That’s an increase of 160 deaths on 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/