Create a special ‘Manchester Moment’ by sharing the ‘Virtual Hug’
The warmth and vibrancy of Manchester’s people are qualities many are missing during COVID-19, when we are staying at home more and observing social distancing.
So our creative team has developed a ‘virtual hug’ dubbed a ‘Manchester Moment’, a virtual greeting you can share with anyone who needs a message of support, appreciation or TLC to help to reduce the loneliness they may be experiencing during COVID-19. Save the image on your device, then share as you wish on social media!
A new website ‘Welcome Back Manchester’ contains a range of materials and information you can share including the ‘virtual hug’. We hope you like the ‘Manchester Moment’ and please share it with anyone who needs an extra special message of support.
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Here is the latest information
 NHS Test and Trace Q&A
Dave Regan, Manchester’s Director of Public Health has written and recorded a Q&A about the NHS Test and Trace service. It explains the process from identifying if you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed below:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
Through to how to contact NHS 111 to see if you need a test, where test centres are located in Manchester, what happens if you test positive and how contract tracers get in touch, so you can protect your personal information from any potential fraudsters.
 Supporting those most in need
If you know someone who needs support with food, medicines, or fuel bills, please share the freephone number 0800 234 6123 and email address: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.ukThe helpline is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5.30pm. For more information, including in alternative formats visit our website.
If you need support with council tax, business rates or bins, visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Wearing a face covering when using public transport
Bus, tram and rail passengers will be required to wear a face-covering for the duration of their journey from 15 June 2020. Use these weblinks for advice about wearing a face covering and for information about public transport in Greater Manchester.
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Social Bubbles and updated government guidance for gatherings, public spaces, and outdoor activities across England
From Saturday 13 June, you can now:
- Form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household if you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children (i e in a household where there is only one adult). All those in a support bubble can act as if they live in the same household - meaning they can spend time together inside each other’s homes and do not need to stay 2 metres apart. Support bubbles should be exclusive - meaning you should not switch the household you are in a bubble with or connect with multiple households
- Attend your place of worship for the purposes of individual prayer
From Monday 15 June:
- You can visit any type of shop and some additional outdoor attractions - drive-in cinemas, zoos, and safari parks
- Some Year 10 and 12 pupils in secondary schools and further education colleges will begin to receive some face to face support
You will still be able to meet outdoors with groups of up to six people from different households, provided social distancing is observed and you stay 2 metres away from anyone outside your household or support bubble.
As before, you cannot:
- visit friends and family inside their homes (unless you are in a support bubble from 13 June) or for other limited circumstances set out in law
- stay away from your home or your support bubble household overnight - including holidays - except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as for work purposes
- exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
- use an outdoor gym or playground
- gather outdoors in a group of more than six (unless exclusively with members of your own household or support bubble)
For more information about COVID-19 guidance, visit GOV.UK
Tips and recycling centres
Currently the tip/recycling centre at Sandfold Lane, Levenshulme, M19 3BJ is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm. From Saturday 13 June, the tip at Reliance Street, Newton Heath, M40 3EZ, will also open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm Finally, from Monday 15 June, the tip at Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ will also be open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm.
Please only visit these facilities if you really need to and check the traffic situation before setting off.
You can take:
- General waste including small bulky items
- Garden waste (excluding soil)
- Cardboard
- Wood and timber
- Scrap metal
- Rubble
- Carpets
- Electrical items and white goods (all types)
- Tyres
- Oil, gas bottles
- Batteries
- Lightbulbs
- Glass, cans and plastic bottles
For more information about social distancing rules and regular updates please visit the Recycle for Greater Manchester website.
Recognising the contribution of Manchester’s unpaid carers
For Carers Week (8-14 June) we are proudly recognising the valuable contribution Manchester’s 65,000 unpaid carers make supporting family members or loved ones who have illnesses or disabilities. Councillor Bev Craig has a special message for Manchester’s carers.
If you know a carer who needs extra support our Emergency Fund can help. For more information visit our website or contact the Manchester Carers Centre who can help with your application (applicants must be aged 16+).
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 NHS Services here when you need them
We are aware that the number of people contacting their GP about heart conditions, cancer treatment, during pregnancy or with ill children has decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown.
NHS services are still available for you to access by contacting your GP by phone, online, or using NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Visit Health at Home for information about accessing NHS services.
Support to stay active at home
MCRactive is working to support Manchester by sharing ways to feel healthy and well in mind and body. For daily messages of support, inspiration and guidance on physical activity follow MCRactiv on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or the tag #MCRactive.
Sign up for the MCRActive newsletter to receive additional ideas straight to your inbox. To share the innovative ways you are keeping active, send MCRactiv active a short video, image or message via: info@mcractive.com or to @MCRactive on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Many thanks to Karl for his PPE donation
We’re proud that many businesses have stepped up to help the city during the coronavirus crisis, but support is even more exceptional when it comes directly from a concerned resident.
We want to thank Karl Byfield (pictured on the right) for his remarkable donation.
Karl, a Mancunian studying product design, has made and donated 400 face shields to our PPE Mutual Aid Hub.The shields have been expertly made from Karl’s home and hand delivered to our Hub, for distribution to front line workers across Manchester and Trafford.
Karl said: “I thought it was something I could do in my small way for Manchester.”
We would like to thank Karl for this much-appreciated donation, which will be used to help protect the lives of those in our community.
Helpful links:
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