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

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Get your Covid jab now!

If you've tested positive for Covid, you might be able to leave self-isolation from 7 days onwards (instead of 10) if you've had two negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart and do not have a temperature.

You can take the tests on the 6th and 7th days of isolation – at least 24 hours apart – if both tests are negative, and you haven't got a temperature, you can leave isolation.

If either test is positive you must remain in isolation.

You can continue to take daily LFT tests on days 8, 9 and 10 and if you have two negative tests 24 hours apart and do not have a temperature, you can leave isolation.

To further reduce the chance of passing Covid on to others, you are strongly advised to:
* limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
* work from home if you can
* wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and where you are in close contact with other people
* limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19
* follow the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread ([link removed])

If you've claimed a self-isolation payment and you end your isolation on day 7 (after two negative tests), you can still claim the full payment.

For more information visit the NHS website ([link removed]) .
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Covid is Spreading - Get vaccinated now

The Omicron Covid variant is spreading and pressure on the NHS is increasing.

Covid cases in Oldham are high and growing rapidly
– vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, having to go to hospital or dying as a result of the virus. It also reduces the chance of getting Covid and passing it on to others. Vaccinations are now available to anyone aged 12 or above.

And, if you’re an adult and it’s been at least three months since you had a second vaccine dose, you can now get a booster jab
– get extra protection this winter.

Book your vaccine now ([link removed])

More information on vaccine walk in sites in Oldham ([link removed])
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Oldham Covid cases

Over the past 7 days, Oldham's Covid rate is 646 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the rate of 385 for the previous 7 days.

75.6% of Oldham residents have had their first vaccine, 74.2% have had their second vaccine and 64.2% (of eligible) have had their booster. For more details on where to get vaccinated in Oldham visit our website ([link removed])
Frank Rothwell named Business Ambassador for the Borough

Council Leader Arooj Shah has proudly named businessman and fundraiser Frank Rothwell her first Ambassador for Business.

Frank, owner and founder of Manchester Cabins, became the oldest man to row unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean last year, raising over £1m for Alzheimer's Research UK in the process.

Over the years, Frank has supported many local organisations and, last year, donated £30,000 to Action Together to help the charity continue its vital work supporting the Oldham community throughout the pandemic.

He will now assist us in engaging with businesses across the borough, providing an expert voice and helping steer our approach to supporting and growing local businesses.

Find out more ([link removed])
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Join Togetherall today

Christmas isn’t always merry for everyone!

If you live in Oldham, are struggling with your mental health and aged 16+, you can join our new online mental health service, Togetherall.

You’ll have 24/7/365 access to an anonymous community where you can chat with healthcare professionals.

There are lots of useful tools and resources including art and writing therapies and a range of online courses.

Togetherall is a place where you can feel safe to share your feelings and support each other.

Join now ([link removed])
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Struggling? We Can Help!

We know this time of year can be hard. That’s why help is available if you’re finding things difficult and need some extra support.

We’ve worked with organisations across Oldham to offer help in areas such as:
* Food vouchers
* Financial advice
* Mental wellbeing
* Heating your home
* Housing costs
* Essential items if you’re in a crisis such as white goods, beds and furniture

There’s also help for families with advice on activities for children that include offers of a hot and healthy meal.

Please don’t suffer in silence – we can help.

Find out how We Can Help ([link removed]) or call 0161 770 7007

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Testing over Christmas and New Year

During the festive period, you’ll be able to get a PCR test every day.

However, our rapid testing pop-up sites, will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Centres will be operating on reduced hours so please check our website for opening times before attending.

Check opening times ([link removed])

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Christmas closures 2021

As usual over the festive period, the availability and opening times of some council services will temporarily change as our teams take time off to be with their loved ones.

You can find out what services are open and when, including emergency contacts, by visiting Christmas closures ([link removed])

We'd like to wish all our residents a wonderful Christmas.

It's been another challenging year, but we've all stuck together, followed the guidance and helped to protect our loved ones.

Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!

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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom