Council chiefs are once again urging residents across Tameside to adhere to guidance surrounding Covid-19 following the extension of restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this week that step four of the government's roadmap for easing restrictions - the so-called 'Freedom Day' when all legal limits on social contact will be removed - will be pushed back to Monday 19 July. 

The delay - which will be reviewed after two weeks - will allow more time for people to be vaccinated and protected amid concerns over the spread of the Delta variant, which first originated in India. 

Tameside Council Executive Leader Councillor Brenda Warrington said: “While the Government’s announcement to delay a full reopening is disappointing for everyone, it’s important that we follow the national guidance to stop the spread of Covid and keep each other safe.

“It’s particularly difficult for our businesses that were relying on the easing of restrictions and we will do everything we can to support them.”

What the delay to restrictions mean

The delay means that limits on the number of people who can meet remain at up to 30 people outdoors and up to six people or two households indoors. Advice to work from home where possible also remains.

Coronavirus pilot events will continue as planned, but other venues and events must continue to operate with capacity limits, and nightclubs must remain closed. 

Wedding ceremonies, receptions and wakes can go ahead with more than 30 people from 21 June - providing that social distancing requirements are observed. Rules that remain at weddings include the rule of six and table service applying for tables and no singing or dancing, except for the first dance. Care home residents no longer have to quarantine for 14 days after going out for day trips or visits. 

Anyone aged 40 or over will now only have to wait eight weeks - rather than 12 weeks - to get their second jab, while all adults aged over 18 are now eligible for the vaccine.

Covid rates have risen rapidly in Tameside 

Covid rates across Tameside and Greater Manchester are rising rapidly, with the Delta variant becoming very dominant, making up more than 90 per cent of new cases across Tameside.

Meanwhile, rates in Tameside are now over 160 per 100,000 of the population - many times higher than two weeks ago.

Tameside, along with the rest of Greater Manchester, has been announced by the government as an area to receive strengthened support to control the spread of the Delta variant.

Residents are being urged to play their part by taking the following action and encouraging others to do the same:

• Get vaccinated when eligible
• Get tested even if you don't have symptoms and even if you have had one or two doses of the vaccine.
• Self-isolate if positive and if eligible access the available financial support to help you do this.
• Work from home if you can
• Be cautious when meeting others who are not in your household
• Socialise outdoors
• Minimise travel

Residents are also being reminded to follow the effective basic measures of washing hands, wearing face coverings, socially distancing and letting in fresh air.

How to get Covid tested or vaccinated locally 

A vaccination van is also touring the area throughout this month and July to hold pop-up clinics in order to make it easier for people to get a jab. 

Eligible residents who are registered with a Tameside and Glossop GP and yet to have their Covid vaccination can just turn up with no appointment or ID needed. To get the latest schedule, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine.

To book a jab locally, head straight to the local booking site www.tamesideandglossop.nhsvaccinations.co.uk or call your GP practice. Alternatively, appointments can be booked at the mass vaccination centres by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119.

All Tameside residents can also access free, regular, fast testing. People can visit www.tameside.gov.uk/rapidtesting for details of testing sites or how to collect or order home tests.

Anyone who has symptoms such as a fever, new continuous cough or loss or change of taste or smell must book a PCR test. More information can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus/testing. 

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