Public health briefing for the borough of Bury
The Government is now advising:
From 20 January
- People are no longer required to work from home.
- Pupils in high schools do not need to wear face masks in classrooms.
From 27 January
- People will no longer need proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to enter nightclubs or large venues, but businesses may still use the NHS Covid Pass if they wish.
- It will no longer be compulsory to wear face coverings in public spaces or on public transport, although public health guidance advises people to wear face coverings in crowded or enclosed spaces.
- Pupils in high schools will no longer need to wear face masks in corridors or other communal areas. Although schools are still able to introduce this if they have high cases or outbreaks.
The Government is still urging everyone eligible to get two vaccinations and a booster jab. If someone feels unwell, they are encouraged to get a Covid-19 test. It is important to remember that whilst the situation is thankfully improving, Covid-19 is not over and the basic ‘Hands, Face, Space, and Air’ measures that we can all take are still very important in protecting each other alongside making sure you are fully vaccinated.
Changes to lateral flow testing
People who receive positive lateral flow (LFT) test results for coronavirus (Covid-19) are required to self-isolate immediately but are no longer required to take a confirmatory PCR test. It is important that anyone with a positive LFT registers their result following the instructions provided with the test kit.
People who may require financial support to self-isolate, however, will need to get a confirmatory PCR test (see further information below).
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus should still book a PCR test.
Participants needed for national Covid-19 study
The PANORAMIC study is investigating whether new antiviral treatments for Covid-19 in the community can reduce the need for hospital admission and enable people to get better at home.
The nationwide study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, is recruiting volunteers in Greater Manchester to take part in the study through the PANORAMIC website.
To be eligible, people need to be currently experiencing Covid-19 symptoms that started in the last five days; have a positive PCR test for Covid-19; and be aged 50 or over or aged 18 and over with a listed pre-existing condition.
