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

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Changes to self-isolation period

From Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.

It is crucial that if you're isolating with COVID-19 you wait until you have received two negative lateral flow tests on two consecutive days to reduce the chance of still being infectious.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. If you are positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release you from isolation.

It's essential that two negative lateral flow tests are taken on consecutive days and reported before you return to a job or education if leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10 day period.

For instance, if you are positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on both day 6 and day 7 to release from you self-isolation, or positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10.

Those who leave self-isolation on or after day 6 are strongly advised to:
* Wear face coverings and limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
* Work from home where possible
* Minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID- 19

The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have taken two LFTs and do not have a temperature in line with guidance.

For more information visit the NHS website ([link removed])
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Get vaccinated - clinics open across Oldham

The Omicron Covid variant is spreading and pressure on the NHS is increasing which is why we all need to get vaccinated.

Covid-19 vaccinations are incredibly important in preventing severe infection and spreading the virus. Various clinics are available for walk-in appointments if you haven’t already had your first, second or booster doses, so please come forward.

Vaccination sites for the week commencing 17 January, including the following:

The Dinwoodie Centre
Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8.30am -7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8.30 – 5.30pm

The Millennium Centre
Featherstall Road North, Oldham, OL9 6QB
12 noon to 7pm, every Wednesday

The European Islamic Centre
79 Manchester Road, Oldham, OL8 4LN
12 noon to 7pm, every Sunday

We are also running a specific AstraZeneca Clinic on Tuesday 18 January at The Dinwoodie Centre at Oldham Hospital.

This will run from 1-7.30pm and will be for second doses only. To attend this clinic, you must book via the national booking system where appointments will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

Book your vaccine now ([link removed])

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

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Need a PCR test?

You should now only go for a PCR test if you have one of the three main symptoms of Coronavirus.

However, if you test positive for Covid-19 at home with no symptoms and are eligible for a self-isolation payment, please come forward for a confirmatory PCR test as you will need this as part of the process to apply for a payment.

Check your eligibility here ([link removed])

PCR testing sites in Oldham for the week commencing 17 January, include:

Southgate Street car park (Next to Oldham Library)
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Street. Hathershaw, OL8 3BP
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Peel Street in Chadderton, OL9 9JX
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Higher Memorial Park, Failsworth, M35 9DE
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Prince Street Oldham Mumps Tram Station Car Park
Monday to Sunday, 10am-3pm

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Oldham Covid cases

Over the last 7 days Oldham has a rate of 1,953 per 100,000 population, which is lower than the rate of 2,100 for the previous 7 days.

76.1% of Oldham residents have had their first vaccine, 74.8% have had their second vaccine and 72.1% (of eligible) have had their booster.
Do you live in St James’ or Waterhead wards?

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Arooj Shah and Chief Executive Harry Catherall will be taking questions about St James’ and Waterhead on Tuesday 18 January as part of our ongoing Meet the Leader events. The sessions will give residents a chance to express their concerns about issues in the local area.

Whether it’s littering, public transport, anti-social behaviour or plans for Oldham’s future – no topic is off limits.

If you, or anyone you know lives in the area, please email your name to receive an invite to [email protected]
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Shortages in lateral flow home testing kits

As you may be aware there is a current national shortage in lateral flow home testing kits. In Oldham we are doing our very best to replenish stock levels, including at our community collection points, however, there are several alternatives you can use in the meantime if you have no symptoms of Covid-19 and you can’t access a home test kit.

This includes access to free onsite testing at many of your local pharmacies or visiting one of our pop-up rapid testing sites across the borough.

See the full list of pharmacies ([link removed]) and pop up asymptomatic sites here ([link removed])


Remember to register your home testing kits

As more of us start to test at home using lateral flow testing kits, it is important that you continue to register your results, regardless of their outcome.

This is so we can continue to assess the spread of the virus and manage it as best as we can.

If you are unsure of how to register your results, please check the leaflet that comes with your test kits.

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New CCTV cameras at town centre tram stops

We are installing 51 CCTV cameras at locations around five Metrolink stops to help passengers and residents feel safer and more confident when using the network.

The new cameras will provide improved images and wider coverage, not only of the platforms but also of the access points to and from them, including some of the harder to see areas.

Our teams within the council will be managing the new equipment and they will be put in place in areas around the tram stops from Freehold to Oldham Mumps on Union Street.

The cameras are currently being installed and are set to go live in March.

Read the full story ([link removed])

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Omicron business grants open

The new Omicron grants are now open for applications from businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

Businesses who have a rateable value, were occupying the property and trading on 30 December 2021 can apply.

Don’t miss out, applications close on Thursday 24 February.

Find out more ([link removed])

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New Year, New Career?

If you’re considering a new career this year, have you thought about fostering for Oldham?

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

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

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

To find out more, call our friendly team on 0161 770 6600 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/outthere

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Don’t miss the new exhibition Light Upon Light

You’re invited to explore the works of Zarah Hussain at a new exhibition coming to Gallery Oldham on Saturday 22 January.

Cutting-edge digital art combines with traditional, hand-drawn Islamic geometry in Zarah Hussain's Light Upon Light.

Zarah works combine her childhood passion for Islamic geometry with digital technology to create interactive apps, infinitely looping animations, paintings and sculptures.

The display features twelve new pieces of wall-based sculpture, together with drawings and the light installation, Invisible Threads.

Find out more... ([link removed])

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Want to find out more about the adoption process?

If you’re thinking about adopting but want to find out more before taking that first step then make sure you attend one of Adoption Now’s Virtual Information Events.

The events are hosted by a friendly and experienced team who can provide you with insight into children awaiting adoption and the adoption process.

There are two sessions:
* Wednesday 19 January, 5 – 6.30pm
* Wednesday 26 January, 12 – 1.30pm

To register, visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk/eventsor call 01204 336096

Thanks to Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN)

UCAN was out and about in Uppermill again this month for their first clear up of the year.

The volunteers main focus of the session was clearing away the aftermath of the fallen leaves on the canal side which can be quite slippery, and dangerous, for many walkers.

Alongside the clearance of leaves, the group also helped with our Don’t Trash Oldham campaign, litter-picking in the surrounding areas.

The group are always looking to welcome new volunteers so if you would like to join in contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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New VCSE Ambassador for Oldham

Oldham Council has appointed Cllr Colin McLaren as VCSE Ambassador, to improve the working relationship between the council and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Cllr McLaren, who is Chair of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Pennine Acute NHS Trust and Vice Chair of the Joint Mental Health Overview and Scrutiny Management Board for Pennine Care NHS Trust, will be responsible for the delivery of the recommendations agreed by the Council in the Greater Manchester voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) Accord.

Read the full story ([link removed])

Fake make-up seized in raid

Oldham Council’s Trading Standards department has successfully prosecuted a trader for possessing counterfeit cosmetics and trying to pass them off as the real thing.

In 2019, as part of an investigation into the supply of counterfeit goods, officers searched a self-storage unit in Oldham and found 720 ‘Huda Beauty’ and 42 ‘Morphe’ makeup palettes.

On closer inspection the imported goods were all found to be fake

The value of the goods if they had been genuine products rather than fake would have been in the region of £33,000.

The owner of the unit Ms Fan Jiang, of Hexham Road, Gorton, aged 34 was interviewed under caution and a decision was taken to prosecute her.

At an earlier hearing at Tameside Magistrates Court Jiang pleaded guilty to two offences of possession for supply under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

On January 4 She returned to court for sentencing and was ordered to undertake 200 hours community service and pay £3,700 towards the prosecution’s costs.

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