Latest COVID-19 News from Manchester City Council
Thursday 20th January
Get boosted now Campaign against the new Omicron variant
Over time, two doses of the #COVID19 vaccine do not give enough protection against the virus.
#GetBoostedNow 💉and get protected.
Thursday 20th January
Covid Booster vaccinations now available for 16-17 year olds
16 and 17-year-olds can now book their COVID-19 booster jab appointment 💻
Visit http://nhs.uk/Book-Covid-Booster… to #GetBoostedNow
Thursday 20th January
Plan B Restrictions Lifting
Although Covid restrictions have lifted in England.
Omicron is spreading fast in Manchester & case numbers are high.
Please, respect and look after each other by:
· Wear a mask when appropriate
· Getting vaccinated manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab
· Let fresh air in if meeting indoors
Thursday 20th January
12-15 Year Olds Can Now Get Their Covid Jabs at Most Walk In Clinics in Manchester
If your 12-15 year old is eligible now for their 1st or 2nd Covid jab, no need to wait for a school vaccination session, they can book an appointment now via:
📞 119
Or try a walk in clinic 👇
Thursday 20th January
Plan B Restrictions Lifting
Although Covid restrictions have lifted in England.
Omicron is spreading fast in Manchester & case numbers are high.
Please, respect and look after each other by:
· Wear a mask when appropriate
· Getting vaccinated manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab
· Let fresh air in if meeting indoors
Thursday 15th July
Eid al-Adha celebrate safetly
Although many restrictions will be lifted from 19 July, infections in Manchester continue to rise.
Help us to reduce transmission of Covid-19, please celebrate Eid al-Adha safely and continue to be cautious and respectful during celebrations.
Thursday 15th July
Answers to your Covid questions from vaccination to testing
Have you got any unanswered questions around Covid?
A team of our Public Health experts recently got together to answer your queries about the virus, covering everything from the vaccine and testing, to where to get help and support.
View the Q&A at https://vimeo.com/571573165
Thursday 15th July
Vaccination - Still time to grab your covid jab
Even if it's been a little while since you were invited for your Covid-19 vaccine, it's never too late to come forward and have it 💉
If you’re aged 18+, visit nhs.uk/covidvaccination to book yours.
Or go to a COVID vaccination drop-in centre near you
www.manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab
Thursday 15th July
Covid Testing - Keep doing your rapid tests twice a week
We all need to continue to take rapid, free #coronavirus tests twice a week
This is how we track the virus and stop its spread 👍
Please make sure you register your result, even if it is negative here 👉 https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
#DoYourBit #KeepDoingYourBit
Thursday 15th July
Thank you
Thank you for helping to keep our city safe. Although legal restrictions are lifting on 19 July, Manchester’s Covid case numbers are high, so please keep:
· Meeting outside 🍃
· Getting your jabs 💉
· Getting testing regularly 🧪
· Wearing a face covering in busy places 😷
· Wash hands regularly
· Self-isolating 🏠: If you have symptoms or test positive
· Think about others ❤️: Protect people more vulnerable to Covid by
seeing them when your both fully vaccinated
· Parents keep covid out of school by doing regular rapid tests
Your help doing this will get us back where we need to be.
Friday 25th June
Grab your first jab
If you’ve still not had your first Covid vaccine, it’s not too late. Grab your first jab at drop-in clinics across Manchester. If you have any questions, you’ll be able to chat on-site with someone first.
Details about clinic locations, dates and times are here
Friday 25th June
Testing
Cases of Covid are increasing in Manchester. Help to stop the spread by:
- Taking the free rapid tests twice a week - if you don’t have symptoms
- Get a PCR test - If you have symptoms
For more information on testing click here
Friday 25th June
Safety advice when meeting indoors
Please try and meet family and friends outdoors where Covid-19 and the Delta Variant find it harder to spread.
Fresh air helps blow covid away so if you are meeting indoors keep doing your bit by keeping windows open, so rooms are well ventilated.
Friday 25th June
Call 111 First
We're seeing an increase in A&E attendances at local hospitals, putting NHS staff and services under pressure.
Remember if it isn't a life-threatening injury or illness, you should contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111 NHS or by ringing 111.
For more information click here
Friday 11th June
Enhanced Response Area
The Government announced this week that the whole of Greater Manchester, including Manchester, has been designated as an Enhanced Response Area (ERA) for Covid-19.
This is because cases of the Delta variant of concern, first identified in India are increasing, as this variant spreads 60% more easily than previous Covid strains.
ERA status builds on our existing work to curb the variant’s spread but means we can access extra government support for delivering vaccinations and testing.
Manchester is still open as usual for business – and if we all follow the rules, we'll be able to continue enjoying what our city has to offer.
More about ERA status here.
Friday 11th June
Help stop the spread
We have a critical window for what we do now as a city, which will have a major long-term effect. Our key advice – which is also ERA guidance - remains the same:
- Take extra care and meet people outside, rather than inside, wherever possible
- Take the vaccination when offered – and if you have any questions please talk to your GP, who will want to help. Do the free twice-weekly testing sessions (using lateral flow kits, for people who do not have Covid symptoms). This is because 1 in 3 people can have the virus without ever showing any sign of it.
- Please record your test results - and if it is positive, book a PCR test immediately to confirm the result.
- Follow all the rules around social distancing, face coverings, washing hands, wiping surfaces and keeping windows open
- If you have Covid symptoms, please don’t delay, book a free PCR test immediately by calling NHS 119 and stay at home until you get your result and advice on if you need to self-isolate.
- Please take the help and support we can offer while you self-isolate. There is no stigma in catching the virus or being a contact.
- Space is still limited on public transport due to social distancing. If you can, travel during quieter times Between 10am and 3pm, and after 6pm weekdays.
Visit tfgm.com/doyourbit for details.
Friday 21st May
Covid variant guidance
If we all keep working together and follow the Covid guidance we can stop the spread of variants of concern like the B.1.617 (first identified in India), which is prevalent currently amongst young people in Bolton and Blackburn.
Please keep following the guidance, so we can carry on easing restrictions, keep each other safe and save lives.
Find out how we are working to stop the spread of Covid variants in Manchester.
Friday 21st May
If you're self-isolating, help is available
Anyone who tests positive for Covid will be contacted by a contact tracer to identify who else might need to self-isolate, in order to contain the spread of the virus.
Support is also available to help people to stay at home when they need to self-isolate. This will support will either be identified by the contact tracer, or people can seek help through Manchester’s Community Response Hub by calling: 0800 234 6123 (MON-FRI 9am-5pm) or email COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk
The hub can help with:
- Access to food
- Delivery of medication
- Combating loneliness
- Managing fuel top-up payments
- Getting access to services online
Friday 21st May
Heading out for a film, meal or drink this weekend?
If you’re using public transport to get there & back:
✔️ Plan ahead & check services
✔️ Travel at quieter times
✔️ Follow safe travel guidance
Visit Transport for Greater Manchester’s website for information tfgm.com/doyourbit
Friday 21st May
Carers Week 7 - 13th June 2021
It’s National Carers Week from 7-13 June, when we proudly recognise the contribution unpaid carers make and the challenges they face. Manchester has over 65,000 unpaid carers with almost a third providing over 50 hours of care a week for a family member or loved one.
The Emergency Fund for Unpaid Carers offers support to those looking after their loved ones. If you know a carer needing help with transport costs (including taxis) or fuel, furniture, emergency food deliveries and one-off practical costs to help with care needs, the Carers Manchester Contact Point can help with their application. Applicants to the Emergency Fund must be aged 16+.
Friday 7th May
Please remember to have your second dose
Please remember that your second Covid-19 vaccine is just as important as the first.
It helps to provide longer-term protection.
So, when your second appointment is offered, keep doing your bit by keeping it and help to protect you and your family from Covid-19.
If you’ve had your Covid vaccine you still need to keep following the government guidance.
Friday 7th May
Keep doing your bit with regular covid testing
We can all take free, rapid Covid-19 tests twice a week.
The tests are available to everyone in. You can keep doing your bit by having rapid tests to keep you and your loved ones safe. www.NHS.uk/get-tested
Friday 7th May
Covid rapid home testing kit instructions available in alternative formats
Covid rapid home testing kit instructions available in alternative formats
Instructions for how to use a Covid rapid home testing kit in alternative formats and languages are available from the gov.uk website
For information in an alternative language, select a language from the top of the webpage. Easy Read and large print formats are also available.
Support for the visually impaired with rapid Covid home testing kits
The Be My Eyes partnership with the Dept of Health helps those with sight loss to complete at home testing through the support of an app and NHS Staff find out more
Friday 7th May
Self-isolate when you need to
We know self-isolating is hard. But please keep doing your bit and self-isolate if told to do so. It's important to stopping the spread of Covid-19 and saving lives.
If you need support for things like food or essentials go to www.doyourbitgm.org www.nhs.uk/get-tested
Friday 7th May
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is from 10-16 May 2021. For in-the-moment mental health support you can text 85258 to reach SHOUT. SHOUT is silent, confidential and available 24/7. So, no matter where you are, when it is or who you are with support is available through SHOUT by texting 85258.
Friday 7th May
Eid Mubarak!
Next week sees the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr.
There are no planned events in parks or public spaces this year.
By following the rules around gatherings, you are protecting yourself and loved ones from coronavirus. Happy Eid al-Fitr to everyone celebrating next week.
Fridy 30th April
Aged 40 or over?
If you're aged 40 or over, or if you turn 40 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.
The NHS is working hard to provide appointments at the most convenient time and location for everyone, but local appointment slots are booking up fast.
So, if you can’t book an appointment currently through the National Booking Service: nhs.uk/CovidVaccination or by calling 119, at a location that suits you, please either:
- Keep checking the National Booking Service as more appointments become available.
- Wait to be contacted by your local vaccination service. Please do not contact your GP or other NHS providers to seek a vaccine, they will contact you.
Remember, even if you’ve had your Covid vaccine you need to keep following the Covid guidance and don't meet outdoors in a group larger than 6 people, or two households. Keep doing your bit to keep Manchester safe.
Friday 30th April
Step-by-step guide to rapid covid testing at home
You can now get free rapid testing kits to use at home to help protect you and your family from Covid-19.
The lateral flow device (LFD) tests are for use by people who don’t have Covid symptoms and give results in 30 mins. Follow this guide on how to take an LFD test at home and register your results: https://youtu.be/S9XR8RZxKNo
If you receive a positive result you should stay at home and book a confirmatory PCR test: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Free rapid home testing kits are available from participating pharmacies, libraries and our Covid testing sites in Manchester. Your employer may offer a workplace testing scheme, or you can order testing kits online or by calling 119 for home delivery.
You can download instructions on how to complete a lateral flow test below in alternative languages and in Easy Read format below:
Fridy 30th April
Manchester Community Response Hub is closed for the bank holidays
Manchester’s Community Response Hub is closed for the Bank Holidays on 3 and 31 May. The hub support Manchester's most vulnerable people with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak and can help with:
- Access to food
- Delivery of medication
- Combating loneliness
- Managing fuel top-up payments
- Getting access to services online
You can access our service by calling 0800 234 6123 or emailing COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk.
Friday 30th April
Please remember to stick to the rules even if you've had your Covid-19 vaccination
Fridy 23rd April
Can we help?
The Community Response Hub offers support to Manchester's most vulnerable people to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can help with:
- Access to food
- Delivery of medication
- Combating loneliness
- Managing fuel top-up payments
- Getting access to services online
Help is also available for other reasons, for example, if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer. If you need help freephone: 0800 234 6123 email: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk or text: 078600 22876 (messages responded to by the next working day) or visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Friday 23rd April
Please remember to stick to the rules even if you've had your Covid-19 vaccination
Monday 19th April
Seeing friends again?
It is now a week since more Covid restrictions have been lifted as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Non-essential retail has opened back up, as well as libraries and gyms, and hospitality venues are now allowed to serve people outdoors. Read the full list of changes.
It's great we are able to see our loved ones again, but remember to keep doing your bit so we can all keep each other safe by:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Keep your face covered when required
- Keep your distance
- Only meet outside
- Keep rooms well ventilated
Thank you for your help to keep Manchester safe.
Monday 19th April
Ramadan
We wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak “Blessed Ramadan”, who is observing Ramadan in our local communities.
Ustadh Nasar Ishfaq, Imam at Manchester's British Muslim Heritage Centre, encourages people who will be observing Ramadan not to delay having their Covid vaccination and explains that having a Covid test will not invalidate the fast -https://youtu.be/HvwHCdONj4o
Please follow the advice from the Muslim Council of Britain for a safe Ramadan https://mcb.org.uk/resources/coronavirus/
The British Islamic Medical Association has produced a factsheet with advice on physical health during Ramadan.
Monday 12th April
Changes to restrictions from Monday 12th April
From today (Monday 12 April) more Covid restrictions have been lifted as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Non-essential retail has opened back up, as well as libraries and gyms, and hospitality venues are now allowed to serve people outdoors.
Read the full list of changes.
Monday 12th April
Keep doing your bit
It's great we can start to see our loved ones again, but remember to keep doing your bit so we can all keep each other safe by:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Keep your face covered when required
- Keep your distance
- Only meet outside
- Keep rooms well ventilated
Thank you for your help to keep Manchester safe.
Monday 12th April
New guidance for visiting care homes
New government guidance applies for visiting care from Monday 12 April 2021. It applies to care homes for working age and for older adults. The guidance aims to support safe visiting so people can support their loved ones.
Read the full guidance for care home visiting
Monday 12th April
Rapid COVID-19 Tests
The government has announced that everyone in England can access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Everyone is being encouraged to take free rapid tests for COVID-19 twice a week, 3 or 4 days apart. 1 in 3 people with coronavirus show no symptoms and are potentially spreading it without knowing. So, regular testing, along with the Covid vaccine is helping to ease restrictions and get life back to normal.
Rapid testing using lateral flow devices, involve swabs to the back of the nose and throat and provides a result within 30 mins. Free rapid home testing kits are available from participating pharmacies, libraries and our PCR Covid testing sites in Manchester. Find out more
Changes to restrictions from Monday 29th March
From Monday 29 March, the Stay at Home rule will be lifted. Where possible, you should continue to work from home and minimise the number of journeys you make. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.
From this point you can gather with either 2 households or up to 6 people outdoors, and outdoor sports facilities will also reopen. To find out more about the changes, visit gov.uk.
Free Rapid COVID Tests
We are encouraging parents and carers to help to keep schools open by allowing their children to have free rapid Covid tests.
The tests, which will are supplied through schools, are for secondary school pupils who do not have any Covid symptoms - and they help us find any new cases, where people don't know they have the virus. These tests are not suitable for primary school children.
Parents and carers can also have free rapid tests as long as they do not have any Covid symptoms. The tests can be collected to take home from 1.30pm-7pm at these sites:
- Armitage / Moseley Road - Lower Carpark, Fallowfield
- Ancoats Central Retail Park, Ancoats & Beswick
- Belle Vue Speedway, Longsight
- Brownley Road, Woodhouse Park
- Birchall Way (Former Land Rover garage), Hulme
- Denmark Road Building, Rusholme
- Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield
- Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Cheetham
No appointment is needed. If parents or carers would rather order tests online they can do that from this link: Rapid lateral flow testing for households and bubbles of school pupils and staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This film explains rapid testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebxhEOLfTN0
Covid testing for people who do not have symptoms and cannot work from home
Sometimes people can have the Covid virus without knowing it and without any symptoms. That's why we have an extra form of testing to help us pick up these cases.
If you live or work in Manchester and are not able to work from home, you can have rapid testing (lateral flow testing) twice a week.
The tests are for people, who do not have symptoms, and whose own organisation or employer does not offer a testing scheme.
Book a slot at our test sites across the city by ringing 0161 947 0770/ 0800 0924020. Slots are available Monday- Saturday and can be arranged to fit work and shift patterns. Results can be given within 30 minutes to an hour, and don't need to be sent to a lab for analysis.
The sites are at Moss Side Leisure Centre, Debdale Outdoor Centre, FC United of Manchester, Hall Lane Resource Centre, Heathfield Resource Centre, The Rates Hall in Manchester Town Hall.
Larger employers (50+) have been asked where possible to sign up to a Government scheme to do their own testing.
But if your business cannot do this, staff can use our Manchester sites too.
Remember, even if your test is negative you must still follow all social distance and other safety measures.
And, you still need to be tested even if you have had your Covid vaccination.
Please keep on helping to keep you and others safe in Manchester.
Find out more at on the Council's website
This link also gives details for how parents or carers of school children, or households linked to school staff can also have rapid testing each week.
Welcome back... again!
We know that many of you will be eagerly awaiting the next stage in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. While we need to be cautious, we are really looking forward to restrictions being lifted and our city starting to open up again.
We’ve created a brand-new email newsletter called Welcome Back Manchester – again, to give you the latest info on what you can get up to in the city as it re-opens.
The regular updates will feature the latest news on businesses reopening, events and what’s on, as well as reminders of what you need to do to keep safe while out and about.
Subscribe for free to receive updates on Manchester’s journey out of lockdown.
How the Pfizer Vaccine works
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How the Astra Zeneca Vaccine works
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Over 100,000 people in Manchester have now had their first dose of the COVID vaccine
Thanks to the amazing work of our NHS teams and the thousands of volunteers across the city, more than 100,000 people registered at GP practices in Manchester have now received their first dose of the Covid vaccine
Thank you for doing your bit, Manchester
Government Covid Roadmap
The government will start to lift #COVID19 restrictions in England with a four-step roadmap to provide a route back to a more normal life.
COVID testing update
So far over 50,000 Manchester people have had their first vaccination.
We have vaccinated over 70% of our over 80 years olds and 100% of the residents and staff in our care homes for older people.
Eight Vaccination centres are operating across the city, along with 4 pharmacy sites. There is also the Greater Manchester Mass vaccinations centre and pharmacy sites.
More information about vaccination.
Don’t help the Virus Spread
It has been welcome news this week that more people are receiving vaccinations and getting tested in Manchester to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When you hear good news like this it can be easy to become complacent and let your guard down, but none of us can afford to do this with COVID-19, it is such a formidable adversary which thrives on human contact.
A video message by TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh explains how the new variant, quickly spreads and why it is so important to Stay at Home to protect our loved ones and keep our communities safe.
By working together to stop the spread, we can protect the NHS and save lives.
For more information gov.uk/coronavirus
The government’s Stay Home guidance is available to download and share in British Sign Language (with voiceover), as audio files and in large print format for free from Public Health England’s online resource centre.
COVID Vaccination update
More than 36,000 people registered at GP practices in Manchester have been vaccinated against Covid-19 since the start of the programme in mid-December.
This figure is people registered with Manchester GP practices that have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This data does not include all of the vaccinations carried out by hospitals, or in care homes, in Manchester.
Manchester aims to deliver 70,000 vaccines by mid-February and a goal has been set to deliver 214,000 vaccines by mid-April. This will see some of the city’s most vulnerable residents given their first dose. More information about vaccination.
COVID Mass Testing update
Manchester’s programme of targeted mass testing received a major boost this week as two more testing sites became operational, making five in total across the city. The programme has also been extended until the end of March.
Targeted mass testing in Manchester is being supported by the Army and focusses on people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus (asymptomatic testing), but who are in frontline roles where they may have more unavoidable contact with others such as care homes, health and social care staff and school staff. Further details on how mass testing will be rolled out to the business community are to follow.
The lateral flow test (asymptomatic test) does not have to be sent away to a laboratory to be analysed and the results are available more quickly – approx 20 to 30 mins.
You will be notified of how to get tested if you are in one of the groups being offered testing, so please do not get in touch to try and book a test at this time. Asymptomatic testing supplements existing symptomatic.
New COVID-19 variant
The new variant of COVID-19 is spreading fast, so will all need to work together, act like we have it and stay home. So please follow the guidance and help keep our communities safe.
For more information visit gov.uk/coronavirus
Army of volunteers come forward to support Manchester’s mass vaccination programme
Over 1,000 people have come forward to support Manchester’s programme to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of patients against COVID-19. The roll out of community vaccination hubs across the city is continuing at pace with the first of six test sites opening last week, with more to follow soon. Volunteers will help to marshal the vaccination sites and ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible.
Local GPs will be contacting patients about getting a vaccination in the order set out at a national level – with the most vulnerable first. You do not need to contact them.
You may also receive a letter from the NHS offering you the option of attending the Great Manchester Mass Vaccination Centre at the Etihad Tennis Centre in Manchester, or a local pharmacy
Visit the Council's website for more information
Be aware of vaccine scam calls and texts
We are aware that some people are receiving suspicious calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination.
Coronavirus vaccines are only available on the NHS. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, or a GP surgery local to you, to receive your vaccine.
Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.
- The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.
- The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
- The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
- The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to the Police online or by calling 101.
For information about the COVID vaccine rollout visit the NHS website.
Manchester Community Response Hub
The Community Response Hub offers support to Manchester's most vulnerable people to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can help with:
- Access to food
- Delivery of medication
- Combating loneliness
- Managing fuel top-up payments
- Getting access to services online
Help is also available for other reasons, for example, if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer.
If you need help, freephone 0800 234 6123, email COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk, text 078600 22876 (messages responded to by the next working day) or visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Support for people Self isolating with COVID-19
Where people have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace and their income has been affected, they could be eligible for a one-off support payment. Find out more.
Help with Debt, Bills and Borrowing
If you are not working or furloughed at the moment due to COVID-19 and need help with debt, bills or borrowing, visit www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands for advice and support.
