UK reports highest single-day Covid-19 cases since May

London, Sep 24 (IANS) The UK has reported 6,178 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since May 1, taking the total tally to 409,729, official data revealed.Besides the new cases, 37 new fatalities were also reported on Wednesday due to which the overall death toll increased 41,862, reports Xinhua news agency citing the data as saying.The spikes came a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restriction measures to tackle a the recent surge in the country's coronavirus cases.Johnson confirmed that from Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants in England must operate a table service only -- except for takeaways -- and will be forced to close at 10.Among other measures, people have been advised to work from home if they can despite advice earlier this month to head back to their workplaces.The new restrictions, which may last for the next six months, raised concerns that more jobs were at risk as the government's furlough scheme will expire by the end of October.The UK government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme offered furloughed workers 80 per cent of their salary, up to 2,500 pounds per month. From August 1, the level of grant was reduced each month. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is understood to be looking at options including a salary top-up scheme, which is similar to those already operating in France and Germany, according to the BBC.Possible ideas arivate sector have already changed their working methods more quickly than ever before. "Everywhere, we see new thinking, innovation and transformation," he said.Guterres urged governments and businesses to work together to shift direction, saying: "That is the only way to weather the pandemic, build resilience for the future and achieve the SDGs."The UN chief added that equality, inclusiveness and sustainability were no longer nice-to-have, optional extras to build a more caring brand. "They are the indispensable keys to recovering from the pandemic and building healthy and prosperous economies and societies."The SDG business forum, held virtually on the margins of the 75th UN General Assembly, is a platform to discuss the role of the private sector in addressing the current economic landscape and to co-create lasting solutions for a more sustainable future.The SDGs were adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
--IANS ksk/