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Coronavirus cases in Oldham reach record high

Even though legal restrictions have been lifted, people in Oldham should continue to wear face coverings, get vaccinated and keep getting tested, as our figures are increasing at an alarming rate.

Oldham has the highest rate in Greater Manchester with our rate per 100,000 now standing at 788 overall with Shaw, Failsworth, Saddleworth and Lees reaching over 1,000 per 100,000.

For all the latest information on Coronavirus here in Oldham, please visit the Oldham Council website ([link removed]) .

Please take up the offer of a vaccine...

All adults in Oldham can now get vaccinated and we have a range of walk-in clinics that do not require an appointment and have parking on site:
* 10am to 8pm every Wednesday at The Millennium Centre, Featherstall Road North, Oldham OL9 6QB
* 10am to 8pm every Sunday at The European Islamic Centre, 79 Manchester Road, Oldham OL8 4LN
* Until 1 August, various times at the Dinwoodie Centre, Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH

View our full list of vaccination walk-in clinics, including some local pharmacy drop-ins, on our Coronavirus Vaccination Page ([link removed]) .
Update on GP practices
Recently some general practices across Oldham shared a letter with patients highlighting the challenges they have faced during Coronavirus; how they are working differently, what patients can do to help and where to find additional support.

We wanted to share this important information with you as it will help and support you when accessing healthcare services.

GPs are now carrying out more consultations by phone or video, while continuing to see patients face-to-face and making home visits where clinically appropriate. Practices have also been busy booking patients into Covid vaccination clinics, creating extra pressure on the system.

What you can do to help:
* Use online consultations where possible, to free up phonelines for those who cannot use the internet or who have very urgent health needs
* Consider self-care ([link removed]) – understanding when to look after yourself, when a pharmacist ([link removed]) can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional. Also, if you have a long-term condition ([link removed]) , self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it
* Use self-referral services – you don’t need to see your GP first.

Further information is available from the Online Symptom Checker ([link removed]) .
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Don't miss Festival Oldham tomorrow
Oldham’s annual, free celebration of art and entertainment takes place tomorrow in Parliament Square and Gallery Oldham Gardens from 12noon until 4pm.

Attractions on the day will include street theatre, circus, street art, dance, puppetry, live music and more. More information is available here ([link removed]) .

Throughout the day, we will also be hosting a walk-in vaccination clinic in Parliament Square, encouraging shoppers and festival-goers to grab a jab while they’re out in the town centre. These will be first dose Pfizer vaccinations, and second dose vaccinations for those who have waited at least eight weeks since their first vaccination, will be offered on a walk-in basis.
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What step 4 means if you are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable
CEV individuals are advised, as a minimum, to follow the same guidance as the general population, which means the removal of social distancing rules will also apply to them. However, as they remain at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they were to catch Coronavirus, they may wish to think particularly carefully about additional precautions they might wish to take.

The CEV guidance pag ([link removed]) e contains some examples about precautions that individuals may wish to take.

If any CEV individual is concerned about their physical or mental wellbeing, they should contact their GP practice or specialist who can provide them with support and guidance on any further measures they can take to further reduce their risk of infection.
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An update on dental services
It was announced earlier this week that infection prevention control measures in dentistry should continue to be followed until further notice. This means three things for patients:
* Social distancing remains in place. Please wear a face covering on entering the building
* There will continue to be restrictions on leaving time between patients to ventilate rooms if an aerosol generating procedure is performed (e.g. something like a high speed drill). This impacts how many appointments can be fitted into a working day
* Dental practices are also following the Chief Dental Officer’s advice that patients should be prioritised for treatment based on urgency and priority groups, such as those more at risk of dental disease or children.

Similar public health measures are still in place for hospitals and GP practices.

If patients are in pain or in need of support, help or advice, they should telephone their dental practice. If they do not have a usual dentist and have an urgent need, they can phone the Greater Manchester urgent dental care helpline on 0333 332 3800.
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More business grants available
We have launched a new business grant to support certain businesses impacted by the Coronavirus restrictions for international travel, leisure, events and the night-time economy.

The new sector support grant is open now and travel agents (international not domestic), event management companies, night clubs and ticketed live entertainment venues can apply for grants of £1,500, £7,500 or £10,000.

This grant, funded by the Additional Restrictions Grant, will support operational costs and overheads. Applicants must submit evidence of ongoing commercial costs. The grants cannot be used to support wage costs for staff. Find out more, including how businesses can apply by reading our press release ([link removed]) .
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Check out the new plans for Spindles
Plans for the future of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre were revealed this week. Alongside the proposed relocation of Tommyfield Market, a larger split-level events venue and repurposing the upper floor to become a co-working space were announced.

As well as improving Oldham’s retail offer, the move will allow us to unlock brownfield sites for new homes and public open space; supporting the council’s commitment to protect the greenbelt from development.

View the plans on our website ([link removed]) .
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Job opportunity
As part of our commitment to cleaning up the borough, we are recruiting to a number of street cleaning roles.

You can find out more by visiting the Greater Jobs website ([link removed]) and putting 'Oldham' in the search engine

The closing date for entries is midnight on 1 August. Good luck!
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Library PCs
If you wish to use a PC at one of our Libraries you can now do this on a drop-in basis for a maximum of one hour and one session per day. PCs may be booked in advance on 0161 770 8000 but this is no longer compulsory.
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Landlord fined for failing to improve property
A landlord who failed to ensure his property was clean and safe for tenants to live in has been successfully prosecuted by the council this week. To find out more, read the full news article ([link removed]) .
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Love Parks Week
It's Love Parks Week! To celebrate we’re encouraging residents to continue to enjoy them but also raise awareness of how important it is to make sure our public open spaces stay litter and waste free. Local authorities collected, on average, an extra 57 tonnes of litter during the first lockdown alone.

It’s now more important than ever to respect and protect our open spaces as many of us won’t be going away this summer and will be making use of the beautiful spaces.

You can join in by sharing our messages across social media throughout the week and sending us your lovely pictures of our green spaces when you’re out and about.

Find your local park using our website ([link removed]) and if you want to find out more about the campaign go to the Keep Britain Tidy website ([link removed] ) .
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Summer activities for Oldham's youngsters
There is a range of activities going on across the borough this summer for children and young people to get involved with, including holiday clubs, sports, drama, art – you name it, it's happening. There are also lots of free places available to those eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Check out what's happening on our holiday activities webpage ([link removed]) .
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Oldham Pride is back
As well as Festival Oldham, another important event is back this week – Oldham Pride.
Don't miss...
* Saturday 24 July – All day entertainment and DJs at The George Tavern. “Shade” open-air dance performance (free) in Parliament Square and George Square
* Sunday 25 July – picnic in Dunwood Park, followed by a 6.30pm Pride Service in Oldham Parish Church

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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])

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