 Government outlines COVID roadmap
The government in England has outlined its COVID roadmap as a route back to normal life. The roadmap has four key steps, aligned to dates when different restrictions could be potentially lifted across the whole of England, if four tests are met. They are:
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The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
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Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
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Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
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The Government’s assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new COVID Variants of Concern
There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the scientific data to reflect the changes in restrictions and to be analysed; followed by one week’s advance notice of the restrictions that will be eased.
The first key step date is March 8 2021, when schools in England are expected to return.
It is still very important that everyone follows the Stay-at-Home restrictions and the Hands Face Space advice to help prevent the virus from spreading.
The gov.uk website has more information on the roadmap and a British Sign Language (BSL) version is available here.
Thank you for doing your bit, Manchester!
Councillors video message addresses COVID vaccine questions
A new video message by Manchester City Councillors is seeking to address people’s questions about the COVID vaccines and encourage more people to come forward to get their vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19.
Vaccination site worker captures the faces of Mancunians who stepped up to volunteer
In January a call went out to Mancunians, asking them to step forward and volunteer to help successfully roll out the city’s Covid-19 mass vaccination programme.
Nearly 3,000 volunteers came forward pledging their support. One of those volunteers was David McLenachan, 64, from Bury. As he carried out his stewarding duties, he decided that as semi-professional photographer, he would begin to take portraits of his fellow volunteers. One of the most common sights since the outbreak of the pandemic has been people wearing a mask or face covering. This was something that David couldn’t help but notice when stood on his shifts, the only visible part of his colleagues’ faces being their eyes.
 Carers and those aged 64 urged to book their COVID vaccinations
Are you 64 years old? If you haven’t had your Covid19 vaccine yet, you can expect to receive a letter in the next few days inviting you to attend a vaccination centre or local pharmacy. Check your letterbox today and get booked in for your vaccine appointment.
Are you a carer?
You can now book your COVID-19 vaccine. We know it's been a hard time for every one of you so please call 119 or visiting our booking service to get started and get your vaccine – make your appointment today.
Manchester Community Response Hub
The Community Response Hub offers support to Manchester's most vulnerable people to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can help with:
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Access to food
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Delivery of medication
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Combating loneliness
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Managing fuel top-up payments
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Getting access to services online
Support for people Self isolating with COVID-19
Where people have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace and their income has been affected, they could be eligible for a one-off support payment. Find out more.
Help with Debt, Bills and Borrowing
If you are not working or furloughed at the moment due to COVID-19 and need help with debt, bills or borrowing, visit www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands for advice and support.
Financial support for businesses
Expanded Additional Restrictions Grants
We have expanded the discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant to help businesses whose trade has been significantly affected by the absence of workers, commuters and tourists in the city due to the lockdown restrictions.
The Expanded Additional Restrictions Grant scheme (EARG) has been designed to support Manchester businesses we know have seen a big drop in trade, but who have been ineligible for other Government grant schemes.
The main scheme will support local businesses with Business Rates liability or fixed property costs affected by the downturn in daytime economy trade, the tourism and cultural sectors, and the airport supply chain. Some self-employed sole traders and company directors of small businesses, without fixed business property, related costs may also be eligible.
If your business has been affected and you haven’t already received a Local Restriction Support Grant, a previous Additional Restrictions Grant payment or other Government support such as the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, you may be eligible.
South Asian Heritage Month Presents - Covid-19 Q&A with local GPs on Radio Africana
If you want to join a Q&A session with local GPs on Radio Africana tune in this Saturday at 12noon. A Recording about Covid-19 Vaccines – an ‘Ask the Experts Event’ - which includes Dr Manisha Kumar, Medical Director, from Manchester Health and Care Commissioning (MHCC) on the experts’ panel is available to watch on YouTube - South Asian Heritage Month Presents: Covid-19 Vaccines- Ask The Experts - YouTube
Remember the golden rules
👋 Hands
😷 Face
↔ Space
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