The ongoing coronavirus situation is changing by the hour with announcements being made about businesses and services that are being forced to adapt and change.

Punchline is committed to trying to keep you up to date with all the news that matters to you and your business.

Our team will update this story throughout the day, to ensure the latest important developments can be found in one - clickbait free - place.

If you or your business has any news, views or advice to share with the Gloucestershire business community, get in touch with Punchline team at news@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk.

Friday, September 25

Update #1545 - 17.05 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The Government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 34 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.04pm today.

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 41,936 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 6,874 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 423,236 since the outbreak began. 

Update #1544 - 15.06 Council agrees delayed plan for next four years

Cotswold District Council has approved its key objectives over the next four years after its agreement was delayed and updated due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Corporate Plan, which was originally outlined last year, has been developed during the pandemic under the streamline Building Back Better.

READ THE FULL STORY 

Update #1543 - 13.37 Students determined to stop spread of coronavirus despite backlash over warning from UK government

First year university students in the UK are determined not to contribute to the anticipated rise in coronavirus cases as they prepare for a freshers' experience like never before.

In a recent survey undertaken by Cheltenham-based Endsleigh Insurance, over half of students surveyed admitted that despite different covid safety measures taking place throughout various pubs and university campuses across the UK this freshers' period, they would not be attending more house parties as a result.

SEE MORE 

Update #1542 - 13.14 Six months without fans could be fatal warns Gloucester Rugby boss

Gloucester Rugby chief executive Lance Bradley has warned the club and professional rugby will struggle to survive if they cannot have fans at matches for six months.

Around 1,000 fans watched Gloucester's defeat to Harlequins earlier this month as part of a pilot scheme which was set to see fans beginning to return from next month.

But fresh government coronavirus restrictions have put that on hold with a warning they could be in place for up to six months - a delay Mr Bradley says could deliver a killer blow.

READ MORE 

Update #1541 - 11.47 Gloucestershire mobile testing unit locations this week

An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur.

The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county.

Please see this week's locations here.  

Update #1540 - 11.25 Londoners looking to quit the capital

More Londoners are looking for jobs outside the capital, with the prospect of 'reverse commuters' living in London but travelling outside for work.

Figures from recruitment website, Indeed, show that on 18th September, the number of posts advertised in London was down by 55 per cent compared to the same date in 2019, as reported by The Guardian.

The fall reflects the impact of closed offices and reduced hospitality services in the city. Many restaurants, hotels and shops in business and tourist areas remain closed.

In August, the number of jobseekers looking for roles outside London was up by 27 per cent. 

Update #1539 - 11.05 Car production down by nearly half

British car production fell by 45 per cent in August as the industry continues to suffer from a fall in demand.

UK factories produced 51,039 cars last month, leaving output for 2020 to date down by nearly 350,000 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "These are increasingly disturbing times for UK car makers and suppliers with the coronavirus crisis weighing heavily on the sector. Companies are bracing for a second wave with tighter social and business restrictions making the industry's attempts to restart even more challenging."

Update #1538 10.45 Shop early for Christmas or miss out

IMRG, the industry body for online retailers, said firms may struggle to cope if everyone does their festive shopping at the last minute, as reported by the BBC.

IMRG advises shoppers to start soon and spread their shopping out over the course of a couple of months.

But there is no need to panic buy, as retailers and delivery companies have been dealing with Christmas-like levels of demand for the last six months.

Update #1537 - 08.30 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 2,249 as of Wednesday afternoon - an increase of 35 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 639 cases (increase of 12)

Cheltenham - 527 cases (increase of 12)

Stroud - 335 cases (increase of six)

Tewkesbury - 307 cases (increase of three)

Cotswolds - 246 cases (no change)

Forest of Dean - 195 cases (increase of two)

Thursday, September 24

Update #1536 - 15.32 Hospice volunteers get creative to support patients during pandemic

County hospice volunteers have found innovative ways to overcome the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, so they can continue to provide friendship and support for patients.

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham runs a popular befriending scheme, which connects people living with life limiting conditions with a volunteer for friendship, companionship and support.

With many patients shielding, hospice befrienders have switched from home visits to telephone and video support to make sure they can continue to be there when it matters.

READ THE FULL STORY 

Update #1535 - 14.50 Cinema to return to Gloucester Guildhall

Following a temporary closure in March due to restrictions surrounding the pandemic, the venue is welcoming customers back to its newly refurbished cinema next month.

Originally built in 1890 and opened in 1892, the music, comedy, film, and theatre on Eastgate Street will re-open its doors for film screenings from Thursday, October 1.

A spokesperson for the Guildhall said: "We will have a number of safety measures in place to ensure a safe visit. You can expect the same great films with a slightly different way of doing things.

READ MORE 

Update #1534 - 14.30 Pets at Home increase profit expectations

Pet supplies retailer Pets at Home has said it expects annual sales to meet market predictions, despite the risk of further coronavirus restrictions.

The business with 453 stores and 316 grooming salons across the UK has revealed an uplift in sales since the lifting of lockdown, with double digit like-for-like sales growth in the eight weeks to September 10.

READ MORE 

Update #1533 - 12.52 Chancellor announces Jobs Support Scheme to replace furlough

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new Jobs Support Scheme to replace the furlough system as part of a winter economy plan.

The support package, which he said needed to "adapt and evolve" from previous measures, includes a similar measure for the self-employed, the extension of deadlines to repay loans, tax bills payable across a longer period and a longer VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sector.

He said: "I know people are anxious, afraid and exhausted. There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. We are in a very different position to March."

SEE MORE  

Update #1532 - 12.49 Domino effect leaves £800m trail of unpaid debt

The failure of British businesses since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March has created a domino effect of debt amounting to almost £800million of outstanding invoices.

Research by corporate distress data analysts Red Flag Alert found an average debt of £28,501 with bars and restaurants, construction, retail, logistics and real estate businesses at very high risk of failure.

Construction is the sector with the most lockdown business failures, 1,884 reported cases owing £364million to suppliers - up from £235million of insolvent debt from the same period in 2019.

A further 120 companies in the construction industry are at high risk.

SEE MORE 

Update #1531 - 11.25 One in four hospitality businesses could fail this year

Almost a quarter of pub and hospitality businesses believe they will struggle to last beyond the end of the year without fresh government support.

The stark warning comes from a survey carried out by the British Beer & Pub Association, UKHospitality and the British Institute of Innkeeping which showed 23 per cent of their members fear they will fail by the end of 2020.

And their findings came before the latest government coronavirus restrictions which sparked a warning in Punchline-Gloucester.com that they could be the final straw for many landlords.

READ MORE  

Update #1530 - 10.30 DFS reports strong recovery despite loss

DFS has reported a pre-tax loss of £56.8million after the closure of shops during the coronavirus lockdown.

The furniture retailer's revenue for the 12 months to the end of June fell from £901million a year earlier to £724.5million.

But chief executive Tim Stacey said online sales and strong performance in stores has meant a strong start to the new financial year.

He said: "While the reported decline in profit is undoubtedly disappointing in headline financial terms, a significant proportion of this profit has already been recovered in the current year as we resumed customer deliveries.

"The current year has started very strongly with all showrooms now open and our digital channels continuing to grow."

Update #1529 - 08.35 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 2,214 as of Wednesday afternoon - an increase of 15 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 627 cases (increase of two)

Cheltenham - 515 cases (increase of five)

Stroud - 329 cases (increase of three)

Tewkesbury - 304 cases (increase of four)

Cotswolds - 246 cases (increase of one)

Forest of Dean - 193 cases (no change)

Wednesday, September 23

Update #1528 - 16.41 Chancellor to outline winter plan

Chancellor Rushi Sunak will outline plans to continue protecting jobs through the winter tomorrow.

He will address the House of Commons two days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined fresh coronavirus restrictions and a few hours before hospitality businesses are forced to close at 10pm.

The Primer Minister said Mr Sunak was working on "creative and imaginative" solutions.

As our response to coronavirus adapts, tomorrow afternoon I will update the House of Commons on our plans to continue protecting jobs through the winter. pic.twitter.com/eP6aqcocxd

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 23, 2020

With the Job Retention Scheme, which placed workers on furlough, ending at the end of next month potential announcements include a salary top-up scheme similar to ones which operate in France and German.

Follow Punchline-Gloucester.com for all the latest from the Chancellor's announcements.

Update #1527 - 16.40 Asda play it safe over masks

Asda is create 1,000 safety marshal roles across its supermarkets as it enforces rules on face coverings.

The staff will remind shoppers to wear masks - with fines doubling to £200 in England - and hand out sanitised shopping baskets.

Customers without face coverings will be offered disposable masks they can pay for before they leave.

Morrisons has reinstated marshals on its doors and created almost 2,500 new cleaning roles.

Update #1526 - 16.38 Don't panic, Tesco boss urges customers

The head of Tesco has urged customers not to stockpile goods as coronavirus restrictions are increased.

Toilet rolls were among essentials which vanished off supermarket shelves when the pandemic first struck earlier this year.

Chief executive Dave Lewis told Sky News: "I think the UK saw how well the food industry managed last time, so there's very good supplies of food.

"We don't want to see a return to unnecessary panic buying because that creates a tension in the supply chain.

"We would just encourage customers to continue to buy as normal."

Update #1525 - 16.33 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The Government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 37 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4pm today.

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 41,862 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 6,178 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 409,729 since the outbreak began.

Update #1524 - 15.45 Fall in sales isn't all bad news for Joules

Fashion retailer Joules saw a fall in first quarter sales as a result of lockdown, but trading was still ahead of expectations.

In the 13 weeks to 30th August, sales at Joules, which has stores in Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester Quays, fell 18 per cent to £39.6 million.

The chain carried out a phased reopening of its stores from 15th June. All 128 stores has reopened by the start of August, with Cheltenham being one of the last to reopen.

READ MORE 

Update #1523 - 15.00 Virtual marathon runners will be pounding the streets of Gloucestershire for WellChild

On October 4, dedicated runners will be pounding the streets of Gloucestershire to complete the 2020 Virtual London Marathon to raise money for WellChild's work for seriously ill children and their families.

Taking part in Gloucestershire for WellChild are Ashley Stevens, Paul Martin, Anthony Nellis and Sophie and Duncan Paul, all runners from Cheltenham and Gary Oakley from Gloucester. They all form part of a 150 strong team of WellChild runners taking part across the UK.

This year's London Marathon was cancelled because of the COVID-19 epidemic which is a huge blow to WellChild and the many other charities supported by marathon runners as it leaves a big hole in the funds they need to carry out their work.

So the virtual event is taking place this October when runners who had gained entry to this year's London Marathon will be running the 26.2 mile distance on their own home turf.

READ THE FULL STORY 

Update #1522 - 13.05 Help needed to help businesses through latest restrictions

Small businesses are "seriously fearing for their futures" and need a fresh package of government support measures, according to a leading business organisation.

Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry was speaking after the announcement of the latest coronavirus restrictions in England by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

SEE MORE 

Update #1521 - 12.23 Gloucestershire court reopens to help clear Covid case backlog

With a record 1,000 criminal cases waiting to be heard in Gloucestershire, the former magistrates court at Cirencester is to be taken out of mothballs to help clear the massive backlog caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Lord Chancellor has announced today that the Cirencester courthouse will be one of eight 'Nightingale courts' opened nationally to tackle the problem.

The waiting list for cases in Gloucestershire has doubled during the Pandemic and the situation nationally is thought to be much the same.

SEE MORE  

Update #1520 - 11.17 Macmillan forced to cut jobs as donations tumble

Macmillan Cancer Support has said it will cut around a sixth of its workforce after a drop in funding during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity, which offers support to cancer patients and their carers, will axe 310 jobs with an annual projected loss of tens of millions in donations over the next couple of years.

Chief executive Lynda Thomas said: "Our people are at the heart of everything we do, but this is the only way we can meet the needs of people living with cancer now and in the future.

"The past six months have been some of the hardest our organisation has ever faced.

"To say that today is the darkest day of my career is no exaggeration. I am truly devastated to have to do this, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly."

Update #1519 - 11.15 Tui slashes winter holiday programme

Europe's largest holiday company Tui has blamed travelling restrictions for the decision to operate just 25 per cent of its winter schedule.

The travel firm, which announced plans to cut 8,000 jobs and close 166 shops in the UK and Ireland last month, said summer holiday bookings were down 83 per cent.

And it said customers are booking as late as possible due to changing travel restrictions.

Chief executive Friedrich Joussen said: "Destination availability is highly influenced by government policy and development of the pandemic, meaning the environment remains volatile and is likely to remain so for the next few quarters."

Update #1518 - 10.49 Upper Crust confident travel will return after sales drop

The owners of Upper Crust has seen weekly sales fall 76 per cent between April and September, but believe it will see an upturn as demand for travel returns.

The SSP Group saw the sales drop - up from 95 per cent at the start of lockdown - compared with last year as the coronavirus pandemic hit numbers at railway stations and airports, where it has most of its 580 UK sites.

With revenues falling about £1.3billion and operating losses expected to be £180-250million, the firm is consulting on cutting 5,000 UK jobs.

Chief executive Simon Smith: "We have seen some improvement in passenger demand since the start of the crisis and we have reopened units swiftly and profitably in response to this, with over one third of our units now trading.

"In the medium-term we expect to see the gradual return of passenger travel to more normalised levels."

Update #1517 - 08.37 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 2,199 as of Tuesday afternoon.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 625 cases (increase of one)

Cheltenham - 510 cases (increase of two)

Stroud - 326 cases (increase of four)

Tewkesbury - 300 cases (increase of one)

Cotswolds - 245 cases (no change)

Forest of Dean - 193 cases (increase of one)

Tuesday, September 22

Update #1516 - 17.10 Serious collision in Stroud

Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision in Stroud Monday afternoon (September 21).

Officers were called to Bisley Old Road with a report of a cyclist coming off his bicycle and hitting a van at around 12.50pm.

READ MORE 

Update #1515 - 16.50 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The Government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 37 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 16.09 today (September 22).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 41,825 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 4,926 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 403,551 since the outbreak began.

Update #1514 - 15.15 CorrMed warns products must be available for flu season

A Gloucestershire business is warning of the increasing need for vital access to medical products as healthcare services faces the prospect of a 'twindemic' on the eve of flu season.

Infection control products producer and distributor CorrMed, based in Huntley, has seen a surge in demand for its infection resistant medical bags from hospitals and medical centres as the need to increase vaccination against influenza grows.

The bespoke bags help professionals do their job more efficiently while further protecting patients.

SEE MORE 

Update #1513 - 13.21 Government introduces fresh coronavirus restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country has reached "a perilous turning point" after announcing fresh coronavirus restrictions in England to tackle the ongoing rise in cases.

While he stressed it was not a return to the full lockdown introduced in March, he said the Government would use "greater fire power" if needed.

And he predicted measures could be in place for another six months with the alert level rising from three to four, meaning the rate of cases is high or rising exponentially.

READ MORE 

Update #1512 - 13.19 Slow return to high streets continues despite rules

The number of shoppers across the UK's high streets continued to rise last week, despite the introduction of fresh coronavirus restrictions.

Latest figures from researchers Springboard showed that numbers across all retail destinations were up 2.4 per cent on the previous week.

READ MORE 

Update #1511 - 10.45 Premier Inn and Beefeater owner to make job cuts

Whitbread is cutting up to 6,000 jobs after seeing a slump in guests at its hotels and diners in restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said stays at its Premier Inn hotels were down by half during August with numbers at Beefeater restaurants down by more than a third, despite the lift giving by the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Sales were down by more than three quarters through the first half of the year with hotels and restaurants forced to close.

READ MORE 

Update #1510 - 08.30 Latest coronavirus figures for the UK and Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

Updated figures released yesterday show the UK death toll of people with coronavirus rose to 41,788 - which includes those in care homes, hospitals and in the community.

This is an increase of 11 on the previous day's figures.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Public Health England figures show that the total number of cases within the county sits at 2,190 as of Monday afternoon - an increase of 16.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 624 cases (increase of four)

Cheltenham - 508 cases (increase of three)

Stroud - 322 cases (increase of six)

Tewkesbury - 299 cases (increase of one)

Cotswolds - 245 cases (no change)

Forest of Dean - 192 cases (increase of two)

Monday, September 21 

Update #1509 - 16.05 Gloucester's Cathedral Quarter given £1.9m for regeneration

Part of Gloucester city centre has been declared a Heritage Action Zone and awarded £1.9million to help regeneration and celebrate its past.

The funding for Westgate Street and its surrounding area - designated The Cathedral Quarter - comes from Historic England as part of a £95million Government-funded programme.

It is designed to develop schemes which will transform and restore disused and rundown buildings, restoring historic character.

SEE MORE 

Update #1508 - 15.01 Are Peacocks and Edinburgh Woollen Mill up for sale?

The owner of Edinburgh Woollen Mill is reported to have appointed a business advisory firm to sound out potential buyers for budget fashion retailer Peacocks.

Philip Day, who owns Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, which includes the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Jaeger and Austin Read brands, has appointed FRP, which provides restructuring services, as reported by Retail Gazette.

READ MORE 

Update #1507 - 13.07 Profits slide at Superdry

Cheltenham-based fashion retailers Superdry Plc has announced a fall in profits of 210 per cent due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The business has reported an underlying loss before tax of £41.8million in the year to April 25, down from a £38million profit last year.

Group revenue also fell 19.2 per cent year on year to £704.4million during the period, which is said to have reflected the move away from persistent discounting as well as coronavirus store closures.

SEE MORE 

Update #1506 - 12.43 Act now to stop 50,000 daily coronavirus cases

Action is needed quickly to prevent the UK reaching 50,000 fresh coronavirus cases daily by the middle of next month, according to the Government's chief scientific adviser.

And speaking at a Downing Street briefing, Sir Patrick Vallance said that figure is likely to equate to 200 daily deaths a month later.

Sir Patrick and chief medical adviser Professor Chris Whitty were speaking as Prime Minister Boris Johnson considers whether to follow local lockdown with further measures to tackle the rising spread of cases.

He said: "At the moment we think the epidemic is doubling roughly every seven days.

"If, and that's quite a big if, that continues unabated... you would end up with something like 50,000 cases in the middle of October per day."

READ MORE 

Update #1505 - 11.38 Gloucestershire's self-employed granted £49.7m in second wave

Self-employed workers in Stroud made the most use of the second wave of grants in Gloucestershire under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

In total, self-employed workers in the county made 18,800 claims during the second tranche of grants which covered up to 70 per cent of monthly profits from June to August.

 SEE MORE  

Update #1504 - 11.04 Investment plans shelved among manufacturers

Many British manufacturers are planning to make huge cuts in investment according to a survey which suggests there is little sign of a V-shaped recovery.

The quarterly survey by trade body Make UK and accountants BDO put its gauge on investment fell from -26 per cent to -32 per cent.

Make UK chief executive Stephen Phipson said: "Manufacturing has begun to climb away from the abyss that it stared into earlier in the year.

"But make no mistake, it is going to be a long haul back towards normal trading conditions with talk of a V-shaped recovery nothing more than fanciful."

Update #1503 - 11.02 More than £215m in furlough payments returned

More than £215million in furlough payments have been repaid by companies who said they were not needed or taken in error.

Figures from HMRC said 80,433 employers had returned payments made under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

A HMRC spokesman said: "HMRC welcomes those employers who have voluntarily returned CJRS grants to HMRC because they no longer need the grant, or have realised they've made errors and followed our guidance on putting things right."

The scheme had paid out more than £35billion up to the middle of last month with officials saying £3.5billion may have been paid in error or claimed fraudulently.

Update #1502 - 10.58 Fossil fuel vehicle ban set to move forward to 2030

The deadline for banning new fossil fuel vehicles from the UK's roads is set to be brought forward to 2030 to help accelerate the drive to electric vehicles.

The ban is due to be brought in from 2040, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to shift it forward 10 years.

Such a move would bring the UK In line with Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Research by data provider IHS Markit estimates up to 45 per cent of global vehicle production will be electrified by 2025 with around 46 million vehicles sold annually - rising to as much as 57 per cent by 2030 (around 62 million vehicles).

Update #1501 - 10.21 Shop staff attacked over Covid rules

Britain's biggest retailers are calling for a new law to protect shop workers from assault.

The chief executives of 23 of the high street's biggest names, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Boots and Aldi have written to the prime minister asking for tougher penalties for people who assault retail staff, as reported by The Sunday Times.

They say that shop workers are facing increasing levels of threats and violence, including being coughed and spat at, as they try to implement coronavirus safety measures.

READ MORE  

Update #1500 - 08.30 Latest coronavirus figures for the UK and Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

Updated figures released yesterday show the UK death toll of people with coronavirus rose to 41,777 - which includes those in care homes, hospitals and in the community.

This is an increase of 18 on the previous day's figures.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Public Health England figures show that the total number of cases within the county sits at 2,174 as of Sunday afternoon.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 620 cases

Cheltenham - 505 cases

Stroud - 316 cases

Tewkesbury - 298 cases

Cotswolds - 245 cases

Forest of Dean - 190 cases