It is now a week since more Covid restrictions have been lifted as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. 

Non-essential retail has opened back up, as well as libraries and gyms, and hospitality venues are now allowed to serve people outdoors. Read the full list of changes. 

It's great we are able to see our loved ones again, but remember to keep doing your bit so we can all keep each other safe by: 

• Wash your hands regularly 
• Keep your face covered when required 
• Keep your distance  
• Only meet outside 
• Keep rooms well ventilated  

Thank you for your help to keep Manchester safe. 

The government has announced that everyone in England can access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing, even if they don’t have symptoms. 

Everyone is being encouraged to take free rapid tests for COVID-19 twice a week, 3 or 4 days apart. 1 in 3 people with coronavirus show no symptoms and are potentially spreading it without knowing. So, regular testing, along with the Covid vaccine is helping to ease restrictions and get life back to normal. 

Rapid testing using lateral flow devices, involve swabs to the back of the nose and throat and provides a result within 30 mins. Free rapid home testing kits are available from participating pharmacies, libraries and our PCR Covid testing sites in Manchester. Find out more

We wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak “Blessed Ramadan”, who is observing Ramadan in our local communities.  

Ustadh Nasar Ishfaq, Imam at Manchester's British Muslim Heritage Centre, encourages people who will be observing Ramadan not to delay having their Covid vaccination and explains that having a Covid test will not invalidate the fast -https://youtu.be/HvwHCdONj4o 

Please follow the advice from the Muslim Council of Britain for a safe Ramadan https://mcb.org.uk/resources/coronavirus/  

The British Islamic Medical Association has produced a factsheet with advice on physical health during Ramadan. 

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: 

• Access to food 
• Delivery of medication 
• Combating loneliness 
• Managing fuel top-up payments 
• Getting access to services online 

Help is also available for other reasons, for example, if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer. If you need help freephone: 0800 234 6123 email: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk or text: 078600 22876 (messages responded to by the next working day) or visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus

The Government's new Restart Grant Scheme, set up to help businesses prepare for re-opening following the recent national lockdown, is now open for applications from eligible businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors.  

Eligible businesses may be entitled to grants of between £2,667 and £18,000.   

Businesses will need to make a new application online. Find our more and apply online.