Local restrictions are still in place
Even though the guidelines on gatherings have changed nationally, Oldham’s restrictions on not mixing with other households remain the same.
We need everyone to carry on following these guidelines, which apply to Oldham residents and anyone visiting our borough.
The local restrictions are outlined below:
- You can not socialise with anyone who does not live in your house (unless they are part of your support bubble).
- You must avoid using public transport, except for essential travel
- When visiting shops, when on public transport or in other enclosed or crowded spaces you should wear a face covering.
- Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals should be limited to household members and close family. No more than 20 people in total.
- Restaurants are encouraged to only seat people who make reservations in advance, up to a maximum of six people per table.
- If you run a pub, restaurant, cafe, shop, place of worship, community centre, leisure and entertainment venue, or visitor attraction, you should ensure people maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact - COVID-19 Secure guidance - GOV.UK website.
- We are advising any residents who have recently shielded to continue taking extra care now that the shielding process has formally ended in Oldham - Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 - GOV.UK website
- Sports: Informal sports activity is not permitted, where this involves meeting people from outside your household. You can play a team sport only where this is formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation, and sports-governing body guidance has been issued.
We’re urging residents to continue to take the risk of coronavirus seriously and to comply with current guidelines.
Please visit the Government website for the most up to date information:
- Greater Manchester: local restrictions - GOV.UK website
Stay safe
The best way to avoid infection is to limit contact with others as much as possible and to stay home wherever you can, including working from home.
Limit contact with other people and respect social distancing where you do go out – keep at least 2 metres from those not in your household and avoid shaking hands or hugging.
Wear a face covering where you cannot keep at least 2 metres from others, particularly in indoor public spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, shops and public transport.
It is also critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:
- HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
- FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.
Testing
We are urging anyone who shows symptoms of coronavirus to book a free test online.
Where people test positive, have symptoms or where people have been in contact with someone who has tested positive they MUST follow the guidance on self isolation.
Returning to school
From September 2020 schools are reopening and all children must return to school.
Your child should not come into school if they or someone in their household have coronavirus symptoms, or have tested positive in the last 10 days.
Community facilities
Community facilities following COVID-19 secure guidelines can run support groups, children's groups and other activities as long as they follow Government guidance and restrictions:
Self-Isolation Payments now live in Oldham
A new NHS Test and Trace self-isolation payment scheme for low paid workers has launched here in Oldham.
Apply for a self-isolation payment
Businesses
We are asking businesses to follow the coronavirus guidelines to help stop the spread and save lives.
Reopening
The government has produced detailed guidance on re-opening your business safely:
- Reopen your business safely during coronavirus - GOV.UK website
Core COVID-19 Secure requirements will be mandated for hospitality businesses, and flagrant breaches enforced.
The Government has published simplified COVID-19 Secure guidance:
- Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure - GOV.UK website
Test and trace
It is mandatory for certain businesses to have a system to collect NHS test and trace data, and keep this for 21 days. From Thursday 24 September, these businesses will also be legally required to display NHS QR posters:
Updates
For the latest information sign up for email alerts or follow us on social media:
- Sign up to email alerts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveoldham
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/oldhamcouncil
Advice, support and affected services
Covid-19 Management Plan
Oldham has a clear plan in place in case of an outbreak locally: