Updated Local Public Health Guidance

News that tighter restrictions will be in place from today in Oldham will come as a huge blow to all of us who were hoping that last week’s decreasing infection rate published by the Mayor of Greater Manchester were a sign that we were heading the right way.

The article I wrote (here) following the publication of those figures gives context as to some of the everyday challenges our borough faces, and so I won’t repeat much of that but instead to focus on where we find ourselves and what the restrictions mean.

In the week ending 25th July we have seen 119 new cases, and for comparison the previous week saw only 26 positive cases. This means the number of positive tests per 100,000 people stands at 50.2, where the week before it was much lower at 10.2.

There is a particular concern around young people, and data still being explored by public health officials on communities dis-proportionally affected by housing overcrowding and occupational risk, which is subject also to national government review.

Some of the increase in detection of Covid-19 could be explained by moving to test all household members when one person is tested positive. In larger multi-generational households (grandparents living with family and children) the risk of spread is much greater.

It is important to say that almost every part of the borough has witnessed positive test results, and as such we all must be vigilant and do all we can.

With many businesses operating as normal safety in the workplace is vital. From the outset of the virus I and other MPs have been supporting hundreds of warehouse and distribution workers where many were being forced to choose between keeping safe and putting food on the table; while our interventions have led to some improvement, we remain concerned.

Nationally, it is male workers in factories and warehouses, security and cleaning, retail workers and those in care, leisure and service occupations who were most at risk of dying from Covid-19, and then other multi contact jobs such as transport workers including bus and taxi drivers. For women care and home care occupations, and those in retail were found to be at an enhanced risk.

Oldham has not been subjected to full lock down restrictions as seen in Leicester, but the government may choose to impose them if the infection rate doesn’t show signs of decreasing. So, we must all take action to prevent what could be a significant impact on our slowly gained return to normality; in the context of none of this being the ‘normal’ we were used too, and it won’t be for some time yet.

The updated local public health guidance which residents are being asked to follow is below:

• Do not make social visits to friends or family, or have visitors to their home

• Do not visit friends or family in care homes or sheltered accommodation

• Stick to social distancing guidelines, keeping two metres away from people not in their household or support bubble – meaning no hand shaking or hugging

• Those on the shielding register should continue to take care

But many other things remain as they currently are. Businesses and community facilities which have been allowed to reopen as part of the easing of lockdown in England will remain open. In addition, the planned reopening of leisure centres will continue.

While inside safe practices can be managed, it is important too that outside people are not gathering with members outside their own household without observing the two-metre rule with no more than six people from different households.

With pubs reopening and the summer season and with many not now going abroad it is important that not just within the pub, but also in the immediate area outside. The same is true of outdoor play areas which in the hotter days quickly become crowded, both will be a focus with the ‘hottest day of the year’ predicted this weekend.

Likewise, as we approach Eid on Thursday the traditional Friday prayers are an important part of observing the festival. With plans to manage safe worshipping inside, the same rules must be adhered to outside to keep us safe.

There is a natural challenge which is the conflict of restricting visitors to a home, but not to a local restaurant, pub, bingo hall, place of worship and alike. The explanation is that in these premises the management/owners will be required to manage social distancing, the wearing of face coverings where required, hygiene measures, and how people practically use the venue, for instance reducing pinch points and marking out safe distancing.

The council has greater powers to close venues which do not adhere to these rules, including workplaces, should the need arise. They do not have the resources, or the powers, to do the same in households across the borough.

I know some of the restrictions will have a significant impact on local people, particularly those moments like visiting a loved one in a care home or sheltered accommodation, a planned children’s birthday party at home, a gathering following a funeral, and visiting friends and family at home during Eid too. None of these will be possible.

But we all must act and reduce the risk that the virus will spread further. The NHS advice to

• try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble)
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• If you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it’s hard to stay away from other people

We know these remain difficult times and the impact on many has been profound. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 my office in Oldham has supported over 2,200 people and businesses employing thousands more. Please never feel you are alone, and if you are unsure how to get the help you need, we are here to help.

Finally, we cannot repeat often enough our respect and appreciation for our public sector workers, key workers including those in food retail and transport, and volunteers who have worked around the clock to support our community. Thank you to you all.

The restrictions placed are due to be reviewed no later than 11th August 2020.