What the new restrictions mean for Oldham

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Coronavirus: Following the government's announcement
As you will probably have seen, the Prime Minister addressed the nation on Tuesday 22 September and introduced new nationwide restrictions in addition to the current local restrictions already in place.

To help you to understand what this means for us in Oldham, here's an updated list of restrictions:
* You should not socialise with anyone who does not live in your house (unless they are part of your support bubble).
* You must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors our outdoors. This is against the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400.
* You must avoid using public transport, except for essential travel.
* If you are able to work from home you should continue to do so.
* When visiting shops, when on public transport or in other enclosed or crowded spaces you should wear a face covering ([link removed][UNIQID]) . If you do not, you could face a £200 fine.
* If you work in retail or hospitality, you must now wear a face covering at work.
* Passengers in taxis must now wear a face covering.
* Wedding ceremonies and receptions, and civil partnerships, are now limited to 15 people. These people should be household members and close family only.
* No more than 20 people can attend a funeral.
* All pubs, bars and restaurants must close by 10pm and must operate table service only.
* All pubs, bars and restaurants must also be Covid-19 secure. For more information, click here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Restaurants are encouraged to seat people who make reservations in advance and will not accept bookings of more than six people per table. As the ‘rule of six’ doesn’t apply in Oldham you must only visit a restaurant with members of your household or support bubble.
* We are advising any residents who have recently shielded to continue taking extra care now that the shielding process has formally ended in Oldham. For more information, click here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
* Informal sports activity is not permitted, where this involves meeting people from outside your household. You can play a team sport only where this is formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation, and sports-governing body guidance has been issued.
* People should not gather to watch, grassroots sport and related organised activities in an amateur setting
* Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will not return as planned on 1 October.
* Schools, colleges and universities will remain open.

If you need any further information, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus
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Councillor Zahid Chauhan OBE, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, gives an update on the guidance if you are self-isolating. Click here to play. ([link removed][0]=68.ARASNhBWOgIui8N4nDDuEUDBmr2hX9VeMEEmrKJ82_Ve5XkEWkg8wHENqclj1KSNKF7zKplJaGZuHxRuXqos27ejD8XbLJ21wix13BlMvsQkNPs39iTxsYml5Tc-ADObh9tBsEcImaF-C7FvXrWzLdYWGbLHnmO8ZKmHzvsRaE6cdxg9AjyrzAyYmEYu806rS9PrgZLtCxZyUbMs0MyTdfi3UN3EO6ZVjjf8RJGbtC5vKPENG3crhhgRi3UWiXXzRAP_3qXt66HK_ouErNZUDTAkRO7ENkSLiT-KNSKJX6s2CAsyvezsll7Nbzg3swlIcjYRLiXo2FvGnNnIbt6R5faJItxR_-Xwu1F-6g&__tn__=-R&mc_cid=e2daa25bf6&mc_eid=[UNIQID])
The NHS COVID-19 App has launched
The new NHS COVID-19 App is an important tool in stopping the spread of coronavirus.

The app works alongside NHS QR codes that are on display in businesses where close contact is necessary or where you are likely to spend more than 15 minutes there e.g. restaurants.

If you choose to check in using the QR code scanner on the app you won't have to give any further details.

The app has several features including:
* Trace: Get alerted if you’ve been near other app users who have tested positive for coronavirus
* Alert: Lets you know the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode
* Check-in: Get alerted if you have visited a venue where you may have come into contact with coronavirus
* Symptoms: Check if you have coronavirus symptoms and see if you need to order a free test
* Test: Helps you book a test and get your result quickly
* Isolate: Keep track of your self-isolation countdown and access relevant advice

The app is available to download from the Apple and Google Play store. To find out more visit [link removed][UNIQID]
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Which businesses need to display the NHS COVID-19 App?
To support the national roll-out of the NHS COVID-19 App and enable customers/visitors to check into venues easily, the below venues are now legally required to display NHS QR posters. Those who do not comply could be fined up to £1,000, rising to £4,000 for repeat offenders.
* Hospitality (including pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants)
* Leisure and tourism (gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks)
* Close contact services (including hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons)
* Local Authority venues (such as libraries, event venues and town halls)

Businesses are now expected to make sure their customers are aware of the rules around QR codes by displaying posters and speaking to customers directly. Download your QR posters at [link removed][UNIQID]
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Testing
If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus please book a test. We are aware of the problems some people are having when trying to book but you must keep trying. To get an appointment click here ([link removed][UNIQID]) or phone 119.
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Children in self-isolation and childcare options
If your child has been sent home from school because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus they must self-isolate for the full 14 days. This applies even if they get tested during this time and it comes back negative as it can take time for the symptoms to manifest.

During this period of self-isolation, children should remain at home and have very limited contact with other people. For example, this means that they should not be seeing their friends.
Understandably this could cause childcare issues and it has been recognised that grandparents and other relatives often provide informal childcare for young children. Taking this into consideration, they will now be allowed to help with childcare.
For more guidance click here ([link removed][UNIQID]#:~:text=Yes.%20People%20in%20groups,distancing%20is%20not%20necessary) .
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Black History Month
October is Black History Month and to mark the occassion Gallery Oldham and Oldham Libraries have a whole programme planned to get everyone involved.

This will include online performances, virtual exhibition tours, blogs and more. For more information keep an eye out on their social media channels and the 'News' section of our website ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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SOS Oldham

The COVID-19 outbreak has and is still placing massive pressure on services provided by both Oldham Council and the NHS. Despite further government funding being announced, it is not enough to fully support Oldham residents.

So, we are relying on you to sign our letter to the government to petition for fairer funding as a way of saying thank you to those who have worked tirelessly to look after others such as care workers, waste disposal teams, emergency helpline operators and more.

Please sign our letter here. Thank you. ([link removed][UNIQID])

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For more information and advice about council services, visit
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** Email (mailto:[email protected])
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