Oldham advice updated as Delta coronavirus variant cases rise

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has promised a strengthened package of support for local authorities - including Oldham - to tackle the rise in infections of the Delta Coronavirus variant.

Greater Manchester and Lancashire are now included in areas with stricter advice.

The Government website states: "Wherever possible, you should try to meet outside rather than inside where possible, keep two metres apart from people that you don't live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them) - this includes friends and family you don't live with, minimise travel in and out of affected areas."

Mr Hancock told the Commons that he encouraged residents in Greater Manchester to get tested: "We know that this approach can work. We've seen it work in south London and in Bolton in stopping a rise in the number of cases and this is the next stage of tackling the pandemic in Manchester and in Lancashire.

"And of course, it is vital that people in these areas as everywhere else come forward and get the jab as soon as they are eligible because that is our way out of this pandemic together."

The statement comes less than two weeks before 21 June, the government's proposed date for the relaxation of restrictions in England.

Everyone in Oldham is being encouraged to get tested, whether you have symptoms or not. Different testing options are available, and more information is available on the Oldham Council website here. Those who test positive must self-isolate immediately, and a range of support is available for those who need to do so.

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Here in Oldham we have been working hard to keep Coronavirus rates low. Our case numbers are amongst the lowest in Greater Manchester, but they’re rising. By ramping up activity now we can stay on the front foot.

“To do that we need everyone to continue playing their part. This means getting tested regularly, following the guidance and doing all we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

“Ultimately the vaccine is our route out of this pandemic, so we’ll be pushing the Government to get more vaccines to Oldham as soon as possible.”

The latest infection rate in Oldham stands at 91.1, the second lowest in Greater Manchester behind Tameside.  However, the weekly trend had risen by 42%.

The average rate in England is 44.

As of 1 June 127,519 (65.4%) of Oldham’s registered population aged 18 or over, have been vaccinated with their first dose and 85,214 (43.7%) of Oldham’s registered population aged 18 or over, vaccinated with their second dose.

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