Latest update on new coronavirus restrictions in Oldham, 24 August 2020

Oldham may have avoided a local lockdown this weekend but we must all act now and follow new guidelines from Oldham Council to help halt the spread of coronavirus, save lives and prevent a further local lockdown.

At midnight on Saturday 22 August additional social distancing restrictions, designed to curb the spread of coronavirus, came into force. It’s really important that we all still play our part in stopping the spread of the virus, take seriously the risk of coronavirus and comply with current guidelines.

The current guidelines state:

• Do not socialise with anyone outside your household (unless they are part of your support bubble).
• When visiting shops, when on public transport or in other enclosed or crowded spaces you should wear a mask.
• Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals are limited to household members and close family - 20 people max
• Residents who have recently shielded are advised to continue taking extra care now that the shielding process has formally ended in Oldham - Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 - GOV.UK website
• Restaurants will be encouraged to only seat people who make reservations in advance, up to a maximum of six people per table.
• Pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions, should ensure people maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact - COVID-19 Secure guidance - GOV.UK website.

You must not:

• Have social visitors to your home or garden.
• Meet people socially you do not live with, except where you have formed a support bubble 
• Visit someone else’s home or garden socially even if they live outside of the affected areas.
• Socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others.
• Use public transport, except for essential journeys (going to work/school)

Testing

Effective testing is at the heart of tackling the spread of the virus. We are urging anyone who shows symptoms that may be coronavirus to book a free test online.

To book a coronavirus test go to www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call NHS 119.

More information

For the latest updates regarding coronavirus in Oldham, keep checking Oldham Council's website or call the dedicated coronavirus helpline, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 0161 770 7007.

We're still here for you

Please be reassured that we are still here for you. We’re continuing to deliver our repairs service under strict Covid measures to keep you and our staff safe, and many of our other teams are delivering their services online and by phone. For full details please visit our webpage. For general enquiries, please get in touch with our Contact Centre. Email servicecentre@fcho.co.uk or call 0161 393 7117.