A weekly update on what's happening in Oldham and the latest Covid news and guidance

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** Covid figures offer positive reassurance
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Oldham's Covid rates, while high, remain relatively stable and are the lowest in Greater Manchester and lower than the regional and national averages.

We currently have a Covid rate of 259 per 100,000, while the North West rate is 339 and the
England rate is 344.

These figures offer some positive reassurance that the measures most of us are taking are working. However, this is not a time to become complacent and we need everyone to play their part.

The best way to stop the spread of Covid is:

• If you are over 16, get vaccinated with both doses ([link removed])
• If you’re eligible for a booster jab attend one of our walk-in clinics or book an appointment. ([link removed])
• If you have a child aged 12 to 15, book a vaccination via the National Booking System ([link removed]) .
• If you have Covid symptoms, book a PCR test ([link removed])
• Take a rapid lateral flow test twice a week, even if you do not have symptoms. ([link removed])
• If you test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, you must isolate ([link removed])
• Wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Continue to socially distance.

For more information please visit our Coronavirus pages on our website ([link removed])
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Covid booster booking to be opened a month early

The National booking system will now allow those eligible for boosters to pre-book their booster appointment a month before they are eligible to receive the jab.

Currently everyone aged over 50 and those most at risk of Covid should get a booster 6 months after their second dose. You can now pre-book your jab 5 months after your first dose, in time for when your 6 month eligibility starts.

If you're eligible for a Covid booster and it's been six months since your second vaccine, you can now book your third jab from five via the National Booking Service ([link removed])

Think you're due a booster? Find out if you're eligible ([link removed])
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Do you need a second AstraZeneca vaccine?

Any residents wanting an Astra Zeneca second dose will be able to do so on Wednesday, 17 November, at the Millennium Centre between 10:00am and 12:00 noon.

There will be limited availability of the vaccine and it will be a first come first serve basis. Only walk-ins will be accepted and AZ appointments are not available to book online.

Have your say on our new domestic abuse strategy


Everybody should be able to live their lives free from abuse. Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in the most serious domestic incidents both locally and nationally, including those affecting children. For many the pandemic has brought extra tension and pressure – either through lockdowns and enforced isolation or through changes to finances.

With partners including Greater Manchester Police, health and housing services, and community groups, we’ve drawn up a new strategy to invest in, increase and improve our support offer for victims and survivors so they can move on with the lives they want to lead, free from abuse and we want to hear your thoughts.

To have your say, fill in the short online questionnaire by 6 December, 5pm at Domestic Abuse Strategy ([link removed])

Have your say on proposed new £5m bridge
Plans for an eye-catching £5m bridge that would make travelling between Oldham and Tameside easier for cyclists and pedestrians have been unveiled – and now we want your input.

The proposed 140m long structure would run across the Medlock Valley in Park Bridge - on the Oldham/Ashton boundary.

It would provide a spectacular new southern access point to the Northern Roots site – the UK’s largest urban farm and country park - and better connect Oldham with the rest of Greater Manchester.

Initial funding for the design stage was funded through the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Bee Network, a programme that is designed to revolutionise travel across the city-region by encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and use specifically designed safer routes.

From an initial five designs a preferred option has now been chosen – a steel girder bridge that will weather in time for an industrial look that is fitting with the area.

Comments on the discounted alternative designs before a final choice is put forward for the planning stage can still be submitted.

The proposed bridge – more than 30m above the ground at its highest point – would be designed with smooth surfacing with cyclists in mind.

The completed project would also include landscaping work in keeping with the area.

The scheme would also hopefully cut the number of daily car journeys on nearby roads. Currently there are some 22,500 daily car trips on the A627 and 16,900 on the B6194.

You can give us your views via www.oldham.gov.uk/parkbridge

Oldham Council staff have been working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Tameside Council on the plan.

Further funding from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Bee Network fund would be needed to build the bridge.

If everything goes to plan it is expected the bridge could open in summer 2023.
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Talk to us about your new town centre

We have big plans to transform Oldham town centre, and we want you to be a part of them.

Find out more about our exciting projects and tell us your views at our Big Oldham Conversation on your new town centre event.

It takes place on Saturday 20 November from 12pm-4pm. Meet the team in Town Square, near Greggs/the Body Shop.

You can also get involved online at www.oldham.gov.uk/towncentre ([link removed])

A series of services are taking place across the borough on Sunday 14 November to commemorate those who lost their lives in two world wars and more than 70 other conflicts.

Held in conjunction with branches of the Royal British Legion, residents, uniformed services and representatives of all organisations are encouraged to attend the services and there will also be opportunities to place wreaths on the memorials.

To find about your local service, visit our Remembrance pages ([link removed])
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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom