Covid variant information
A variant of concern called VOC-21-APR-02 (first identified in India) is increasing cases of Covid-19 in the North-West of England amongst young people, particularly in Bolton and Blackburn.
It is normal for a virus like Covid-19 to change over time and although vaccines have been effective in preventing serious illness against different stains.
Our public health team in line with national guidance is increasing the availability of the Covid vaccine to younger people in certain parts of the city where there is a risk of the variant of concern spreading faster. As per national recommendations, any vaccine that is offered to people under 40 will either be Pfizer or Moderna.
The areas of the city where this will be happening first are; Longsight, Levenshulme, Cheetham, Crumpsall, and Rusholme. With Ardwick, Moss Side and Whalley Range to follow subject to capacity within the vaccination programme.
In these areas, first dose vaccinations will be offered to all patients aged 18+ with those aged 16+ being offered on a household basis. People who live in these areas will receive a message from their GP when it is their turn to make an appointment.
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Keep doing your bit Covid hasn't gone away
Due to how easily the new variant can spread Manchester’s public health team are urging people to be cautious, even after govt guidance was relaxed on 17 May. They advise you to:
- limit the number of different people and households you mix with,
- meet outdoors wherever possible,
- keep washing hands, wiping surfaces, wearing masks or face coverings when needed,
- keep rooms ventilated and keep social distancing,
- get your vaccine as soon as it is offered to you,
- Get a PCR Covid test if you develop symptoms- this is the swab test that gets sent to a lab for the results; this is the only way to check for new strains quickly.
Get a free rapid test now
- Lateral flow or “rapid antigen” tests are free and available to anyone who doesn’t have symptoms. We encourage people who go out to work or mix with people outside their household or support bubble to do this test twice a week.
-If a lateral flow test is positive, you must get confirmation using a PCR test. PCR tests are more reliable and are the only way to test for new variants.
More information manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you need to self-isolate help is available
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by a contact tracer to identify who else might need to self-isolate, in order to contain the spread of the virus.
Support is also available to help people to stay at home when they need to self-isolate. This will support will either be identified by the contact tracer, or people can seek help through Manchester’s Community Response Hub by calling: 0800 234 6123 (MON-FRI 9am-5pm) or email COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk The hub can help with
- Access to food
- Delivery of medication
- Combating loneliness
- Managing fuel top-up payments
- Getting access to services online
Face coverings in Schools, Colleges and Universities
In line with other Greater Manchester areas, Manchester’s schools, higher education colleges and Universities have been asked to promote the continued use of face coverings for all until the end of this half-term.
Enjoy the Bank Holiday safely
If you’re meeting indoors, stick to a group of 6 or two households. Remember to open a window to let fresh air in.
For more information visit gov.uk
Remember the golden rules
👋 Hands
😷 Face
↔ Space
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