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

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Come and join us TOMORROW as we kick off Christmas in style!

We'll be in Oldham town centre from 12noon and we’ve got a day full of festive entertainment, fireworks and our Festive Fairy Tale Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Don't miss it!

Find out what else we have planned ([link removed])

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Oldham's Covid rates, remain the lowest in Greater Manchester and lower than the regional and national averages.

We currently have a Covid rate of 258 per 100,000, while the North West rate is 358 and the
England rate is 387.

Thank you for doing your bit - it's working, so please don't be complacent, we need to continue working on keeping our rates low.

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Changes to Rapid Testing guidance

National guidance on rapid testing for Covid-19 has changed and you are now advised to get tested ‘before periods of high risk’ as opposed to twice a week.

This means if you anticipate being in a higher risk environment where it's crowded, enclosed, and has limited fresh air, you should get a rapid lateral flow test prior to entering these high-risk surroundings. Scenarios where more regular testing is encouraged include going to work where you mix with other people indoors, going to restaurants with friends, night clubs or community events.

If you're visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if they catch Covid-19, you should also test beforehand.

You may also wish to get a rapid test after close contact with others in a higher risk environment, or before spending prolonged time with a more vulnerable person.

It may feel we’re back to normal but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and we're still identifying new cases across Oldham every day – including people without symptoms.

Around one in three people with Covid-19 show no symptoms, meaning the virus could be passed onto others without knowing.

With fewer restrictions in place this winter following the success of the vaccination programme, testing before higher risk events, along with the act of refreshing air in the home when people have visitors, and wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces, is even more important for everyone to keep infections down.

Everyone can continue to access all the free tests they need and are encouraged to use rapid tests when they need to.

Find out where you can get a rapid lateral flow test in Oldham ([link removed])

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Politics not personalities

Leaders from all our political parties here in Oldham came together this week to pledge "politics, not personalities" - promising to set a tone of civility and respect in the way we debate with each other.

They agreed that, while it's natural to criticise other politicians' policies and views, it's not acceptable to criticise other people on a personal level.

Find out more ([link removed])

Consultation events on proposed new bridge

We're holding consultation drop-in sessions and an exhibition so you can find out more about our exciting plans for a new £5m link bridge on the Oldham/Tameside border at Park Bridge.

We'll be in the Spindles Shopping Centre (at the top of the escalators) daily from Monday, 6 to Friday, 10 December, between 12noon and 2pm.

You'll be able to look at exhibition boards containing more details about the proposals and also ask questions.

Two drop-in sessions have also been organised at Fitton Hill Library in Fircroft Road, running from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, 15 December and from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, 18 December.

Funding for the bridge would come from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Bee Network fund. If everything goes to plan, it is expected the bridge could open in summer 2023. Please do encourage people in your wards to have their say.

Find out more information about this project ([link removed])

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Bee Network

Together with TfGM, we want to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around Oldham so we’re looking to improve 3 routes across the borough.

The GM-wide Bee Network, once complete, will better connect every community in Greater Manchester, making cycling and walking a real alternative to using the car.

Other projects that have been proposed include:
* Oldham Town Centre to Grotton – proposal to create a series of improvements for pedestrians and cyclists on the side roads where the Lees Linear Park route crosses the highway.
* Links to Royal Oldham Hospital – proposal to create a cycle and pedestrian pathway from the subway at Westhulme Avenue, through the residential area surrounding the hospital to link with and upgrade the surface of an existing path leading directly into the hospital. This will include improvements on the route, such as lighting and seating.
* Wellington Street Traffic Free Zone – proposal to create a quiet route to the Town Centre for cyclists and pedestrians by closing a stretch of Wellington Street to motorised traffic from the service access road at Alexandra Retail Park to the Rhodes Bank junction.

The consultation runs until Friday, 3 December and we’d like to hear your feedback.

Give us your views ([link removed])

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Green Home Grant

If you’re a homeowner or own a rental property in Oldham, you could be entitled to a grant to help pay for energy saving improvements for your home by installing measures such as:

• External wall insulation
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Solar panels
• New heating controls
• New windows and doors

Find out if you're eligible ([link removed])
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Device Lending Service

Do you know someone that would benefit from our new Device Lending Service? Residents can now borrow a Chromebook - just as they would a book or DVD.

The device comes with three weeks of free data – making it easier for people to shop online, pay their bills, apply for jobs and keep in touch with loved ones.

Call 0161 770 8000 or visit Oldham Library ([link removed])

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Join Oldham Interfaith Forum for this year’s Oldham Festival of Light 2021 to celebrate the Festivals of Christmas, Diwali, Chanukah, and Mawlid-an-Nabbi.

On Wednesday, 1 December, people of various faiths and none, are coming together for the annual event, now in its 19th year.

The aim is to improve our understanding of people from different faiths and cultures as well as sharing in each other's festivals. It’s an opportunity to meet people and get to know each other!

With an expert view of the value of community support for women's wellbeing at different stages of their life. Women from different faiths describe the support offered by their communities.

This year’s line-up includes, Christmas carols, Brass Band, Indian Dance and Nasheed.

Find out more and book your free place ([link removed])
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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom