HEADLINES from the past 24-hours has largely been dominated by the Budget and news the Treasury is coming to Darlington, here's everything you need to know about the Covid pandemic: 

  • In the North-East and Yorkshire, 2,705,996 first doses of the Covid vaccine were administrated alongside 103,833 of second doses, making 2,809,829 in total. A total of 18,194,919 Covid-19 vaccinations took place in England between December 8 and March 2, according to provisional NHS England data, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 208,968 on the previous day’s figures.
  • A further 204 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 83,733, NHS England said on Wednesday.
  • The International Air Transport Association said it will be trialling “in the next couple of weeks” its app designed to store evidence of a negative Covid-19 test – as well as proof of vaccination in the future – with Singapore Airlines on a route between Singapore and London. Asked whether UK passengers would be able to use paper records as proof of vaccination or would need to upload digital evidence, Mr Careen said: “The chances are it will be a combination of the two."
  • In yesterday's Budget, Rishi Sunak confirmed the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of September, and employees will continue to receive 80 per cent of their salary for hours not worked. Support for the self-employed has also been extended. 
  • Mr Sunak also announced a further £300 million for the Culture Recovery Fund, coupled with announcements on business rates and VAT remaining at a lower rate for hospitality and leisure businesses. The support, offering financial security to the worst-hit sectors, has been welcomed. 
  • There have been 469 new positive Covid tests in the North-East and North Yorkshire in the last 24 hours.