CORONAVIRUS

WE WILL KEEP THIS SECTION OF THE WEBSITE UPDATED AS REGULARILY AS WE CAN KEEPING IN LINE WITH THE NATIONAL GUIDANCE

UPDATE 21/08/2020 -

In advance of tomorrows new local rules as published on Oldham.Gov.UK

New guidance

Despite dedicated local efforts, coronavirus infection rates in Oldham remain high.

Because of this, from Saturday 22 August (00:01am), additional restrictions designed to curb the spread of coronavirus, will come into force in Oldham.

We need everyone to follow the new guidance, which applies to Oldham residents and anyone visiting our borough.

These new guidelines are in addition to national guidance relating to coronavirus.

From Saturday 22 August:

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 and no more than 20 people.
Restaurants will also be 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

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:

North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do - GOV.UK website

The sharp rise in cases is in part due to a major increase in testing but as the percentage of people testing positive is also increasing, local data suggests the increase continues to be due to social mixing between younger age groups of 20-39 year olds.

Our data shows that:

The virus is circulating throughout the borough with positive cases in almost every area and across all age groups and ethnicities
A significant proportion of those testing positive are multiple individuals from one household showing household spread is a real issue - How to avoid spreading coronavirus to people you live with
A significant number of these cases were among younger people – particularly those in their twenties and thirties
A significant number of those testing positive were Asian / Asian - British although we are now seeing growing numbers of new cases among White British residents

Can I still meet indoors with people in my support bubble?

Yes. Where people from single adult households (people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, they can continue to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit other public places as if they were one household.

At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble.

What is a "support bubble"?

If you live by yourself or are a single parent with dependant children – in other words, if there is only one adult in your home – you can expand your close support network so that it includes one other household of any size. This is called making a ‘support bubble’ and means you are able to have close contact with them as you could if they were members of your own household.

Once you are in a support bubble, you can think of yourself as in a single household.

Keeping support bubbles exclusive

You should not change who is in your bubble or have close contact with anyone else you do not live with. This is critical to keeping you, and your family and friends, as safe as possible.

Members of support bubbles developing coronavirus symptoms

If you or someone in your household or your support bubble are showing coronavirus symptoms, everyone in your support bubble should stay home.

If you or a member of your support bubble is contacted as part of the test and trace programme, the individual contacted should stay at home. If the individual becomes symptomatic, everyone in the support bubble should then isolate. This is critical to staying as safe as possible and saving lives.

Meeting people from outside your household - GOV.UK

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 mask 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.

Face coverings and masks

Testing

We know that effective testing is at the heart of tackling the spread of the virus. We are urging anyone who shows symptoms that may be coronavirus to book a test online.

Book a test

We have good availability for testing at our sites at Southgate Street and home testing kits are available. We are working to increase the amount of testing available to Oldham residents by establishing new mobile and pop-up testing sites.

Where people test positive or have symptoms or where people have been in contact with someone who has tested positive they MUST follow the guidance on self isolation.

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

Businesses

The national easements for 15 August will not apply in Greater Manchester. That means the following cannot reopen or resume:

Casinos
Bowling alleys
Indoor play areas, including soft play areas
Ice-skating rinks
Exhibition centres and conference halls
Indoor performances
Remaining close contact services, which are any treatments on the face such as eyebrow threading or make-up application
Wedding receptions and celebrations for up to 30 people, in the form of a sit-down meal

We are asking businesses to support these new guidelines wherever possible to help Oldham avoid a second lockdown.

How businesses can help avoid a local lockdown

For full details please refer to

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus

UPDATE 05/08/2020 -

Tougher #Coronavirus restrictions are now in place in #Oldham and across the North West to keep us safe and to stop the spread of the virus. If you want to know how this affects you, please visit our website for more information www.oldham.gov.uk/Coronavirus

UPDATE 31/07/2020 -

As you will be aware following the recent announcments in the news Oldham has been identified as having an outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19). Although this means that local restrictions are now in effect we still want to wish you a safe and happy Eid!

For all the details regarding the new restrictions that have been put into place for the North West of England including Oldham please follow the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

UPDATE 24/07/2020 - BAME

UPDATE 22/07/2020 - Holiday Activities 2020

Holiday Activities and Childcare Categories

Summer 2020

Brief descriptions of Holiday Care and Holiday Activities to help to signpost parents

Categories

Brief description

Web link to find info

Childcare

General childcare in an early years setting or with a childminder

From ages birth 0 to 14 years (ish)

We suggest parents check the Ofsted childcare register for details https://www.gov.uk/get-childcare

List of childcare providers

Family Information Service (FIS)

Information on childcare and services for families with children, aged 0-19 years old (0-25 years with SEND)

FIS - Family Information Service

Holiday Care

Holiday Club

Full or part time days
From aged 3 to 14 years(ish)
Run in the school holidays
Times can run from 7.30am to 6.00pm(ish) each one is different

List of Summer Holiday Care

Holiday Schemes Holiday Activities

Summer Offer

Summer Activities

Tend to run from aged 5 years upwards.
Usually sessions or full day
Run in the school holidays
Times vary but could be 9.00am to 12noon or 1.00pm to 3.00pm(ish)

Holiday activities

Out of School Club

Before and after school times
In term time
Times usually between 7.30am(ish) to the school start and then at the end of school day to 6.00pm(ish)
School age pupils to 14 years (ish)

List of childcare providers

SEND Local Offer Local Offer

LO Activities

The SEND LO directory is updated regularly with a range of activities for children and young people aged 0 -25 years who have a special educational need or disability (SEND).

It also contains useful information for their parents and professionals.

www.oldham.gov.uk/localoffer

https://littletownfamilymedical.secure-gpsite.nhs.uk//userfiles/docs/Holiday Activities and Childcare Categories and Weblinks.docx

UPDATE 09/07/20 - Face coverings and now mandatory

Please can all patients wear face coverings when attending the surgery for appointments.

Remember, please DO NOT attend the surgery unless you have been instructed to by a clinician. Thank you.

UPDATE 08/07/20 - Cervical Screening

Ladies, our nurse is still doing cervical screening. So please contact the surgery to book in.

In these uncertain times you may have concerns about coming to the surgery, but please be aware that we have procedures in place to keep you and our staff safe!

For more information please follow the link below

It only takes a few minutes and could save your life

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/coronavirus/faqs

UPDATE 06/07/20 - Information for patients

UPDATE 26/06/20 – Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Please see below a link to the update issued by the Gov.UK website on 23/06/2020 regarding patients who are clinically extremely vulnerable for Covid-19 who are currently shielding.

Please note that the surgery will not be issuing any letters to patients to provide to employers/ agencies or otherwise. If you were already issued with a letter stating that you should shield for 12 weeks. This letter is valid and sufficient.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#parents-and-schools-with-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-children

UPDATE 15/06/2020 - It is compulsory for patients to wear face masks or face covering when attending the surgery

As the NHS re-opens and patient numbers are increasing it is so important that we do everything that we can to avoid the spread of this deadly virus; that is why in accordance with government guidelines we are asking that any patient's or visitors to the practice must wear a face mask or face covering. Please respect this request it is for everyone's safety.

UPDATE 21/05/2020 - How to celebrate Eid in lockdown

18/05/2020 UPDATE - Anyone aged 5 or over who has coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for a test.

Book online

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-for-coronavirus/ask-for-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

If you have a new continuous cough OR high temperature OR loss/change in your normal sense of smell or taste, self-isolate and book a test

01/05/2020 UPDATE - Please watch the video below for informaton on changes in primary care and the different consultations GP surgeries are offering.

This will help you have a better understanding of the changes and what to expect when you need medical care.

27/04/2020 UPDATE - SHOUT 24/7 text messaging service to support those in crisis

This free text messaging helpline is a private, silent and trusted way for anyone experiencing mental health challenges to find a safe space to seek help and support. You can send a text message any time of day or night wherever you are – every conversation is with a human being.

It's easy to use

You don't need an app or dataThere's no registration processIt's silent and won't appear on your phone billConfidential and anonymous.

It's provided by trained volunteer staff supported by clinical supervisors

Text: GMOldham to 85258

After you text a crisis volunteer will reply. The volunteer will offer you support and respond to your questions until they, and you, feels in a safe calm place. The volunteer will also provide sign posting to other services that can offer you specialist support and ongoing help in your local area.

Important information – Mobile Network Disclaimer

It's free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.

Some Android phones issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us. Provided you are on one of the networks listed above, this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged. If you text us from a network that is not on this list there is a possibility that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill. This applies to a very small minority of operators.

It is not possible to text the service from some networks, which do not provide the capability to message short codes. These include Lyca mobile. If your message will not send, or if you do not receive an automated message in response, it is an indicator that the service is not working.

If in doubt, please contact your mobile phone network before texting, or email info@giveusahout.org

06/04/2020 UPDATE - Opening Hours over Easter Bank Holiday

Please be aware that the surgery will be business as usual over the Easter Bank Holidays as for the first time the surgery will be opening on Good Frida (10/04/2020) and Easter Monday (13/04/2020) to alleviate the over increasing pressures within the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What this means for you! It means that if you require any medical attention over the Bank Holidays we are requesting that you contact the GP surgery initally to be triaged. Then depending on the ailments you will be directed to the most appropraite service.

27/03/2020 UPDATE:- A helpline is now available for our most vulnerable residents unable to leave the house - and without a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to help them. 0161 770 7007 Open 9am-5pm on weekdays. And 11am to 2pm on weekends. Please share with those who need it.

26/03/2020 UPDATE:- Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses. If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based handrub if available.Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects. It can help stop people picking up infections and spreading them to others.

25/03/2020 UPDATE:- Just a reminder that we are not currently seeing seeing patients unless they have been triaged by a clinician first. We urge you not to attend the surgery unless you have been asked to do so. If you have a medical query or concern please ring the GP surgery and you will be telephone triaged.

23/03/2020 UPDATE:- Please see below a post published by Asthma UK. It is regarding rescue packs of steroids and antibiotics.

20/03/2020 UPDATE: - Please be aware that the GP surgery will not be providing sick notes (Med 3 certificates) to any patient who is currently off work due to the effects of the Coronavirus/ COVDI- 19. Instead please can we advise that you follow the weblink below to obtain a isolation note provided by the NHS 111 service. All employers should accept this as a valid note. Thank you.

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

16/03/2020 UPDATE: - see below message

13/03/2020 UPDATE: - AS OF TODAY THE PRACTICE WILL NOT BE SEEING ANY PATIENTS FACE TO FACE FOR ROUTINE APPOINTMENTS - INSTEAD THE CLINICIANS WILL TELEPHONE TRIAGE FOR THE PROTECTION OF STAFF AND PATIENTS ALIKE IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO COME TO THE SURGERY. PLEASE USE NHS 111 ONLINE FOR ADVICE.

Anyone with a continous cough OR fever (>37.8) must self isolate for 7 days (this includes children)

Travel history is now irrelevant

Anyone with these symptoms who is WELL can just stay at home and does not need to ring 111 or be tested. If symptoms deteriorate use NHS 111 online for advice.

Anyone with these symptoms who is UNWELL should go to NHS 111 online for advice, they must NOT go to the GP, 111 will access and advise

12/03/2020 UPDATE: STOP!

PLEASE READ

Have you got a COUGH, FEVER or Shortness of Breath? Please GO HOME and ring the surgery.

Have you travelled outside the UK in the last 14 days and have any of these symptoms? GO HOME and contact NHS 111 or 111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

11/03/2020 UPDATE:

The latest guidance on Coronavirus stipulates there are Category 1 countries and Category 2 countries if you have travelled to any of the countries follow this advice below.

CATEGORY 1 COUNTRY/ AREA

Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China)

Iran

Daegu of Cheongdo (Republic of Korea)

ANY Italian town under contamination measures

ADVICE: Travellers should immediately self - isolate, even if asymptomatic and call NHS 111 to inform of recent travel.

CATEGORY 2 COUNTRY/ AREA

Cambodia China Hong Kong Italy: North*

Japan Laos Macau Malaysia

Myanmar Republic of Korea Singapore Taiwan

Thailand Vietnam

ADVICE: Travellers do not need to take special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self- isolate and use the 111 online coronavirus service.

SYMPTOMS: The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.