New COVID-19 measures introduced. 

Following the discovery of the Omicron-B variant in the UK, the Government has announced a new set of restrictions to help contain the spread of the virus. These measures came into effect on Tuesday 30th November.

Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and on public transport. While they are not mandatory in other settings, their use is still recommended in any enclosed, indoor, crowded spaces. The Government has published advice and guidance on face-coverings.

There are a range of resources available to businesses to help their staff and customers to understand and follow these measures which can be found here.

Cases in Tameside are still extremely high which is putting greater pressure on our public services, including our healthcare services, which are also going to be facing additional challenges over the Winter period from a range of illnesses and seasonal threats such as cold and challenging weather. It therefore is vital that everyone plays their part in trying to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

The latest Government rules also state that all international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. And all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days and access a PCR test, regardless of their age or vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace or our local public health team.