Council moves to reassure residents following Covid ‘major incident’ announcement

Oldham Council has moved to reassure its residents following the Greater Manchester ‘major incident’ announcement late last night (Sunday).

A number of residents have contacted local councillors with questions about this announcement and what it means for their local communities.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The public should be reassured that the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged.

“This move by leaders in Greater Manchester is simply a ’back-office’ move to enable public agencies to access any additional resources they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“This might for example, be extra health resources or support for the emergency services to handle difficult situations.

“It is absolutely appropriate for GM to maximise resources in the fight to prevent infection which we have witnessed in the last seven to 10 days and this can only benefit Oldham and its communities,

“Please do not visit someone else’s home or garden except for a limited number of exceptions.

"Do not meet outdoors in groups of more than six.

"Please wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible.

“If we all do our bit and stick to the restrictions now, we can help stop the spread of coronavirus, and protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

Two new temporary testing sites are in operation in Oldham this week in Shaw and Hollinwood, which back up the exiting site at Southgate Street car park – next to Oldham Library.

To book a coronavirus test, go to: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call NHS 119.

A helpline is available to support those self-isolating with access to food, medicine, financial support and loneliness.

The helpline is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 770 7007.

For more detail in Oldham go to: www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus

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