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

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
Covid cases in Oldham are increasing

The number of residents who have tested positive with the virus is now at a rate of 311 per 100,000, increasing from 292 per 100,000 last week.

Our Covid rates are creeping up and we're now the third lowest in Greater Manchester.

Although still lower than the regional and national averages, we cannot afford to be complacent if we want to enjoy ourselves over the festive period, and avoid being unwell, isolating or risk spreading the virus to our loved ones.

Thank you again to those of you who are playing a part and please continue to follow the guidance and help us keep our rates low.
------------------------------------------------------------
New Covid measures in place to tackle Omicron virus variant

The Government has set out new measures to tackle the Omicron Covid variant which will be reviewed after three weeks.

The new measures in place to protect us are:
* Face coverings are compulsory in shops and on public transport
* All international arrivals must take a day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result
* All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status
* Pupils at secondary schools should wear face coverings in communal areas. The guidance also applies to staff and visitors at all schools and childcare settings

Early indications are showing this variant might be more transmittable than the Delta variant, so it’s more important than ever that people get vaccinated to protect themselves against it and help to reduce the transmission rate.

Getting your vaccine and when eligible your booster jab, continues to be the best protection against Covid, along with practicing good hygiene, keeping spaces well ventilated, and wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces.

As winters arrived and more people will be spending time inside please keep getting tested and remember to use a PCR test if you have symptoms. Please also remember to social distance where you can due to the potential of the virus being more transmittable than we’ve seen previously.

Vaccines are currently available to everyone aged 12 and over and boosters to everyone aged 40 and over.

The JCVI have recommended an expanded vaccine programme that includes everyone aged 18 and over to get a booster jab and 12-15 year olds to get a second vaccine dose. Once this programme is available in Oldham, we will let you know.

Get vaccine or booster now via the National Booking Service ([link removed])
Locations of walk in, no appointment needed vaccine centres ([link removed])

[link removed]

Watch as we bring our town centre plans to life

We’ve told you lots about our exciting plans for your new town centre, but it can be difficult to visualise just how everything will come together.

So, we’ve created this new video to show you how buildings and places could look in the future.

Find out more about our new town centre plans ([link removed])

[link removed]
Christmas countdown

To mark the countdown to Christmas, we’re pleased to share our Christmas In Oldham animation.

It promotes our local businesses and celebrates all the things that makes Oldham so special at Christmas.

Check out our Christmas In Oldham animation ([link removed])
[link removed]
Good news! This year, weather permitting, there will be no changes to bin collections over the Christmas and the New Year period.

If your bins are due for collection on the Bank holidays – Monday, 27 and Tuesday, 28 December and Monday, 3 January – please put them out for collection as normal.

All your Christmas cards, wrapping paper and cardboard packaging can be recycled using your blue bins or recycling bags.

You can check your bin collection days and find out how you can get rid of your Christmas Tree or bulky waste on our website ([link removed])
[link removed] Santa’s nice list, foster for Oldham

Now, more than ever, we need local foster families for our children and young people.

It doesn’t matter if you’re already fostering or have never fostered, we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need any special qualifications, we’ll provide first class training and support, plus competitive payments and allowances.

To find out more, call our friendly elves on 0161 770 6600 or visit our workshop ([link removed])
[link removed] Roots Masterplan Consultation

Northern Roots is creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco country park on 160-acres of green space, ten minutes from Oldham town centre.

We’re running a consultation event on Saturday, 4 December from 1-4pm at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre – you can view the updated Northern Roots masterplan and building design proposals, and share your feedback with JDDK Architects, the Northern Roots project team and Trustees.

We’ll be located in the former River Island unit near Costa on the ground floor. Short presentations will take place at 1pm and 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

Explore our interactive map and share your ideas and suggestions ([link removed] )

Consultation closes on Sunday, 12 December.

============================================================
Follow us on:
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])

For more information and advice about council services, visit
** www.oldham.gov.u ([link removed])
k
** ([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