What do the new measures mean for Oldham?

The Government have announced the new measures which will be brought into Oldham after the town escaped the threat of a Leicester-style local lockdown.

The Health Secretary, Councillors in Oldham and the town’s 3 MPs have agreed to a number of changes in the bid to try and reverse the spike in new Covid19 cases which had threatened the town over the past week.

From midnight on Saturday (22nd August) people will not be allowed meet with anyone outside of their households.

Social activities both indoors and outdoors can only be shared between members of your immediate household.

This doesn’t impact on things like shopping, going to work or attending childcare settings including schools which are due to open on 1st September.

Oldhamers will also be urged not to use pubic transport except for essential travel. The number of people attending weddings, civil partnerships and funerals will be limited to household members, close family and no more than 20-people.

Local restaurants will also be urged to not have walk-ins and only seat people who make reservations in advance up to a maximum of six people per table.

Other businesses including pubs, workplaces and childcare can remain opening.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

“To prevent a second peak and keep COVID-19 under control, we need robust, targeted intervention where we see a spike in cases. The only way we can keep on top of this deadly virus is through decisive action led by the people who know their areas best, wherever possible through consensus with a local area.

“Working with local leaders we agreed further action Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn. It is vital that everyone in these areas follow the advice of their councils, and abide by their local rules carefully.

“Our approach is to make the action we take as targeted as possible, with the maximum possible local consensus. To do that we are introducing a new process to increase engagement between local leaders, both councils and MPs, with the aim of taking as targeted action as possible.

“This will allow local councils to focus resources onto the wards which need more targeted intervention in order to drive infection rates down, and gives local people a stronger voice at the table.

“Remember, if you get any symptoms you can get a free test, and you must isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to.”

 

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