View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
Online book of condolence now available for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

As you will be aware, last Friday it was sadly announced by Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh had passed away. It has now been confirmed that a funeral service will begin with a National Minute’s Silence at 3pm on Saturday 17 April.

Here in Oldham, a service was held today at Oldham Parish Church where invited attendees paid their respects. Flags on council buildings and flagpoles across the borough will remain at half mast until Sunday 18 April.

As a reminder, please do not lay floral tributes or gather together, due to Coronavirus restrictions. Books of Condolence will not be available to sign in person, although people wishing to express their condolences can leave a message via our online book of condolence here ([link removed]) .

Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family during this sad time.
Coronavirus: Step 2 has begun

Step 2 of the Government's roadmap began on Monday. This means that outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are now allowed, including in private gardens, and outdoor sports facilities are open too.

We have also seen the reopening of non-essential shops, public buildings, outdoor hospitality, most outdoor attractions, personal care premises such as hairdressers, indoor leisure facilities such as swimming pools and self-contained accommodation this week. For the most up to date information on Step 2 click here ([link removed]) .

Even with these restrictions lifted, others remain. For example, you should continue to work from home where possible, and overseas travel remains banned, aside for a small number of reasons. It is important to continue to abide by these restrictions so that Step 2 is a success.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air.
Further information on the latest local guidance is available here: www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Coronavirus testing – know your options
If you are showing Coronavirus symptoms you can get a PCR test at:
* Southgate Street, next to Oldham Library
* Peel Street, Chadderton
* Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Street

You must book an appointment online.
Find out more by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/testing_with_symptoms

If you are not showing Coronavirus symptoms, there are a number of options for rapid lateral flow tests. You can:
* Get tested at a number of pharmacies across Oldham
* Collect home testing kits from Lees Library, Crompton Library, Failsworth Library or The Link Centre
* Order kits online

Find out more by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/testing_without_symptoms

Remember to always wear a mask and socially distance when visiting one of our testing sites.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stuck filling in your Census? Oldham Libraries can help
Staff at Oldham and Crompton Libraries are now able to offer face to face Census support appointments. The appointments last for one hour and can be made by phoning 0161 770 8000 or by emailing [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . Phone appointments are also still available to anyone who can’t get to the library in person.
------------------------------------------------------------
Back to school
The last year has been very uncertain for our children and young people and many of them have missed out on a huge amount of their education. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s really important that they return to the classroom after the Easter break.

With the weather starting to improve, it can be tempting to take them out of school for a holiday or trip abroad – this is not ok. You can be fined if your child is not attending school so please, let’s work together and get their education back on track and get them back in the classroom.
------------------------------------------------------------
Last chance to register to vote or apply for a postal vote
You have until 11.59pm on 19 April to register to vote if you want to have your say this May.

If you are already registered to vote and want to vote by post, you must submit a postal vote application form that is received by your local Electoral Registration Office before 5pm on Tuesday 20 April. For more information, click here ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
Put your garden waste in your green bin
Spring is in the air so we know a lot of you will be out in the garden cutting the grass and making sure it looks good for the summer. Green bins – garden and food waste – are being collected weekly. If you need a new recycling bin or caddy all you have to do is click here. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Using a taxi this weekend?
If you're using a taxi or private hire vehicle this weekend, stay safe by wearing a face covering, sitting apart and make sure to open a window to keep fresh air flowing.
[link removed]

============================================================

For more information and advice about council services, visit
** www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
** Website ([link removed])

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom