• Latest updates on COVID-19 in Dorset – Since last week’s update, case rates in Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole continued to decline but we have seen a small uptick in the last few days. This is reflective of the regional and national picture. Our local case rates are above the South West average but remain below the England average. In line with the decrease in case rates in recent weeks, we’ve also seen COVID-related hospital admissions start to fall. There are currently 26 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Dorset. – Latest updates on COVID-19 in Dorset – Public Health Dorset

• Self-isolation to end for double jabbed adults – From Monday 16 August, adults who have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and children will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. Instead of self-isolating, those who are exempt should get a free PCR test as soon as possible – Read more about the changes

• Moving to step 4 of the Government roadmap

This guidance will come into effect when England moves to step 4 of the roadmap. Read the current step 3 guidance on what you can and cannot do.

While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. This is why we are keeping in place key protections:

• testing when you have symptoms and targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.
• isolating when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
• border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.
• cautious guidance for individuals, businesses and the vulnerable whilst prevalence is high including:
  • whilst Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, Government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer
  • Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport;
  • being outside or letting fresh air in
  • minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
  • encouraging and supporting businesses and large events to use the NHS COVID Pass in high risk settings. The Government will work with organisations where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household to encourage the use of this. If sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection, the Government will consider mandating certification in certain venues at a later date.

• How the rules changed on 21 June – The rules on weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions or civil partnership celebrations changed on 21 June. See the weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions or civil partnership celebrations section of this guidance.

  The rules on commemorative events following a death such as a wake, stone setting or ash scattering changed on 21 June. See the funerals and linked commemorative events of this guidance.

  The rules on care home visits changed on 21 June. See the care home visits section of this guidance.

  The rules on domestic residential visits for children changed on 21 June. See the childcare section of this guidance.

  Large events pilots from 21 June

  A limited series of pilot events will take place to produce additional evidence on reopening events safely. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.

  This will include some UEFA EURO 2020 matches at Wembley and a small number of other sports, arts and music performances. The full list of pilots, and further details about the events, will be announced shortly.

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: guide for employers –  Government have produced a step by step guide explaining the information that employers need to provide to HMRC to make a claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. It also describes the processes involved. There are monthly deadlines for claims. Use this list of dates to help you submit your claim before it’s too late. Step-by-step Guide
• Incase you missed it – Budget highlights.

• Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Bounce Back Loan borrowers will now have the option to tailor payments according to their individual circumstances and delay repayments. Pay as You Grow will be available to over 1.4 million businesses, which collectively took out nearly £45 billion through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme
• How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Find coronavirus financial support for your business Use this business Government support finder to see what support is available for you and your business. Available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed. Start now