Over the two years of restrictions, we have all done our bit to keep each other safe.

We’re urging people across Oldham to keep doing the right thing by each other, by keeping up safe behaviours and adopting new habits even if fully vaccinated. Living alongside coronavirus isn’t always easy. But with each other’s help, and the additional support available, we can do this. Let’s keep everyone safe and keep us doing the things we love most.

Get fully jabbed

Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and people are urged to Get Boosted Now. If you have not yet had your vaccines, first and second doses remain available. To book your vaccine online, visit: nhs.uk/covidvaccine Or find a local walk-in site near you at: www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/grab-a-jab

Booster vaccines

Booster vaccine doses are available on the NHS for all adults aged 16 and above who have had two doses of a vaccine at least 3 months ago. Some children aged 12 to 15 are also eligible for a booster dose. A booster helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19 It is still possible to catch and spread coronavirus, even if you are fully vaccinated or have already had the virus.

Wear your face covering

Covid-19 spreads through the air by tiny particles that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. While the wearing of face coverings on public transport is no longer a legal requirement, Transport for Greater Manchester continues to strongly encourage everyone using buses, trams and trains to keep a face covering on for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Keep rapid testing regularly

Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have any symptoms and could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Rapid testing regularly increases the chances of detecting coronavirus. These rapid tests remain free of charge and can be collected from local pharmacies or some council buildings such as libraries. If you get a positive rapid test result, you do not now always need to book a PCR test to confirm the result.

You must self-isolate away from other people straight away to avoid spreading the infection to others. There are certain circumstances where you should still take a follow-up PCR test, for example if you wish to claim financial support to self-isolate. Stay at home and get a PCR test if you feel unwell If you’re feeling unwell, even if your symptoms are mild, stay at home and get yourself a PCR test. It’s the right thing to do.

The most important symptoms of Covid-19 are recently developing any of the following:

• a new continuous cough

• a high temperature

• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

• You should self-isolate at home after you book the test and while you wait for the results.

This means remaining at home and not going outside for any reason other than to take your Covid test. You should not go out to work, school or public areas, or use public transport or taxis. You must continue to self-isolate if you test positive, for at least 5 full days after the day you first felt unwell or the day of your test if you tested positive but did not have symptoms.

You can end your self-isolation after 5 full days if:

• you have two negative rapid (LFD) tests taken 24 hours apart, on days 5 and 6 after starting your self-isolation

• you do not feel unwell (in particular with a high temperature)

• You should continue to self-isolate if you have a high temperature or either of your rapid tests on days 5 or 6 give a positive result.

Support is available to help you to self-isolate immediately and for the full amount of time required. When you stop self-isolating at the allowed point, you should follow the current measures in place for stopping the virus. This includes limiting close contact with other people you do not live with, especially in busy, indoor or poorly ventilated spaces.