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Coronavirus updates and advice

Quick links to more information:

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

  • Stay at home as much as possible
  • Work from home if you can
  • Limit contact with other people
  • Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
  • Wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms and follow gov.uk guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection. 

Request a test

Anyone aged 5 or over living in the borough of Bury that has any of the main coronavirus symptoms can be tested for coronavirus at a local drive-through testing centre in Bury. Tests can be booked online.  f no appoinments are available at the Bury testing centre, a test can booked at a regional testing unit instead.    

NHS test and trace service

  • Ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents.
  • Helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.

The service has been introduced to help return life more to normal, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. The service will allow tracing of the spread of the virus and isolate new infections and play a vital role in giving early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally.

NHS latest information and advice 

The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are usually mild, but some people can become very unwell.    

The main symptoms of coronavirus are: 

  • a high temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything or things smell or taste different to normal. 

Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.  

If you think you might have coronavirus do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  Stay at home, check the NHS website and use the 111 online coronavirus service (only phone 111 if you cannot get help online).

Get all the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (includes how to look after yourself if you have symptoms and how to sign-up for text message advice while self-isolating). 

Simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of coronavirus 

We can all support each other during the coronavirus pandemic and help stop the infection spreading by washing our hands and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. 

Wash your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds:

  • Palm to palm
  • The backs of hands
  • In between the fingers
  • The back of the fingers
  • The thumbs
  • The tips of the fingers

Also:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards. 
  • Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. 

And:

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home, such as door handles and taps. 

In April the government issued a coronavirus information leaflet on what to do to help stop the spread of coronavirus.  

Protecting vulnerable people and local support

Some people, including those aged 70 and over, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women, are clinically vulnerable, meaning they are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. This group who are clinically vulnerable should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.

Those people who are defined as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus - that is, people with specific serious health conditions are advised to continue shielding measures to keep themselves safe by staying at home and avoiding all contact with others, except for essential medical treatment or support.

Vulnerable people living in the borough of Bury can access support from Bury Community Hubs, a network of trusted volunteers that are here to help people stay safe and keep well while staying at home.  

If you need help with deliveries of food or medication or are lonely or worried and need someone to talk to:

  • Phone Bury Community Hubs on 0161 253 5353 (volunteers are here for you every day of the week.   
  • Go to more information about Bury Community Hubs

Keep informed via trusted sources

Reported cases and current statistics

Government information, guidance and support 

The Government has set out a plan to rebuild the UK for a world with coronavirus (COVID-19).  

The government is advising people to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

For detailed and up-to-date guidance under the following themes go to Gov.uk coronavirus guidance and support 

  • Protect yourself and others from coronavirus
  • Testing for coronavirus
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Employment, financial support and money
  • Working safely
  • Business and self-employed people
  • School closures, education and childcare
  • Housing and accommodation
  • Driving and transport in the UK
  • International travel and immigration
  • Volunteering and offering help
  • Healthcare workers, carers and care settings
  • Support if someone dies 

Sector-specific coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance 

Education

Employers and businesses

Hostels/day centres

Non-healthcare settings

Residential care, supported living and home care

Transport

Undertakers and funeral directors

Volunteers

Read gov.uk guidance on how volunteers can help safely

Workplaces

Read gov.uk guidance on social distancing in the workplace