We have updated our Coronavirus advice pages with a new dedicated section on advice in translation. The new page includes information in 60 different languages from Doctors of the World and information in British Sign Language from SignHealth.
Go to the new page HERE
The government announced around 21.30 on Thursday 30th July that new restrictions would be introduced at midnight. The announcement was made by four tweets and one interview from the Secretary of State for Health who then did not appear on any of the main news bulletins. Nobody from the government bothered to appear.
These new restrictions are now in force. See below for the news reports from Thursday 30th July and the new government rules and press announcement released on 31st July.
The main change is nobody can visit another household either indoors or outdoors.
News Reports
North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.
Published 31 July 2020
From:Department of Health and Social Care
An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Separate guidance advises on the similar rules imposed in Leicester.
If you live in one of the affected areas, in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, you should not:
The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices (starting at £100 – halving to £50 if paid in the first 14 days – and doubling for subsequent offences).
In Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford, the following premises must remain closed by law:
Your household – as defined in law – is only the people you live with. If you have formed a support bubble (which must include a single adult household i.e. people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) these can be treated as if they are members of your household.
It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden, except for limited exceptions to be set out in law. You should not host or visit people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble. If you live in the affected areas, you should not visit someone’s home or garden regardless of whether this is in or outside of the restricted area.
Yes. Where people from single adult households (people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, they can continue to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit other public places as if they were one household.
In line with the national guidance, you can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes only people from two households. You cannot meet people you do not live within a private garden.
At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble.
Due to higher rates of infection, if you live in this area you should not host or visit friends and family in each other’s homes or gardens. It will shortly be illegal to do so, unless specific exemptions apply. You also should not meet friends and family in other venues – including restaurants or cafes.
Up to two households, or six people from any number of households may meet outdoors (excluding people’s gardens) where there is a lower risk of infection. If you do so, you should still socially distance from those you do not live with, and avoid physical contact.
You may attend a mosque or other place or worship, where Covid-19 Secure guidance applies, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (such as wearing face coverings). We recommend at this time that, if possible, prayer/religious services take place outdoors.
Yes. People living inside and outside of this area can continue to travel in and out for work. Workplaces must implement Covid-19 Secure guidance.
Yes. But you should only go with members of your own household – even if you are going outside of the restricted area.
No. This will be illegal.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August, unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues.
You should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies in these areas can still go ahead. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue. Further guidance can be found here.
Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or, if outdoors, up to six people from different households.
Yes.
Yes. Weddings should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.
People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a wedding, but should not go into a private home or garden.
Yes, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (e.g. face coverings). We recommend at this time that if possible prayer/religious services take place outdoors.
Yes. Funerals should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.
People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a funeral.
Yes. However, you must avoid socialising with people indoors when doing so.
You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or social bubble. If you need to, try to:
The Department for Transport has provided specific guidance on using private vehicles. Please see their guidance on private cars and other vehicles for more information on car sharing and traveling with people outside your household group.
Published 31 July 2020
Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases
Published 30 July 2020
From:Department of Health and Social Care
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has this evening announced that new rules on social gatherings will be introduced in Northern England to stop the spread of COVID-19. These changes will also apply in Leicester city.
This is in response to an increasing trend in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and data from PHE and the JBC which suggests transmission among households is a key infection pathway in the area.
The areas that these changes apply to are:
It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.
Some exemptions will be put in place, including for the vulnerable.
The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.
The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published.
Households may go to hospitality, for instance bars and pubs, but new guidance will make clear that two households should not go to hospitality together.
Meanwhile local leaders and government have today agreed a number of changes to local restrictions in other areas.
While social gathering restrictions remain in place in Leicester City, the area will benefit from the lifting of restrictions that took place on 4 July in England, and all local restrictions currently in place in the neighbouring borough of Oadby and Wigston will end.
It means from Monday 3 August restaurants, cafes, bars and hairdressers in Leicester City can get back to business but leisure centres, gyms and pools will remain closed. In addition, cinemas and museums will open and religious ceremonies will be able to take place.
And on Saturday 1 August, Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after significant progress has been made in controlling the virus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
We’re constantly looking at the latest data on the spread of coronavirus, and unfortunately we’ve seen an increasing rate of transmission in parts of Northern England.
We’ve been working with local leaders across the region, and today I chaired a meeting of the Local Action Gold Committee. Based on the data, we decided that in Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire we need to take immediate action to keep people safe.
The spread is largely due to households meeting and not abiding to social distancing. So from midnight tonight, people from different households will not be allowed to meet each other indoors in these areas.
We take this action with a heavy heart, but we can see increasing rates of coronavirus across Europe and are determined to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe.
The restrictions currently in place in Blackburn, announced last Friday, which saw indoor swimming pools, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor gyms and sports facilities remaining closed, will continue.
From Saturday, these leisure facilities will open in Luton, bringing it in line with the rest of the country.
We have been working closely with local leaders across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire and have made the decision to bring in new restrictions on social gatherings for selected areas.
For those preparing to celebrate Eid Al Adha this weekend with friends and family these restrictions will come as a blow but everyone is being urged to follow the new rules and to protect the ones they love from catching coronavirus.
Mosques and other places of worship have reopened for prayer and communal worship, but in a different socially distanced and COVID-19 Secure way. This means that while mosques can remain open, many will not able to welcome as many worshippers as before.
Anyone with any symptoms must isolate immediately and get a test for free by going online or ringing 119. Everyone must continue to socially distance and regularly their wash hands to help bring this virus down further so all areas of Leicester can return to normal as soon as possible.
What did you do during lockdown? Well, Ciara Leeming did a photography project documenting the people in our community. Levy Lockdown Portraits is a record of lockdown through photographs of people in their windows.
“It started with my street. A few weeks into lockdown, in mid-April 2020, I asked if any of my neighbours would let me photograph them as a way of documenting this odd period of history. These inaugural window portraits went down well – they were surreal and interesting and I needed something creative to do. So I kept going.
I approached friends in Levenshulme, Manchester, and, when I shared the work on social media, potential participants began finding me. I approached people on the street and knocked on doors when plant displays, window decorations or chalk slogans caught my eye.
I photographed households from many local communities, captured the socially-distanced VE Day and Eid celebrations, and met loads of interesting people along the way.
By the time lockdown restrictions began being eased at the end of May, I’d made 260 portraits, over 38 days of shooting. Every portrait was made within cycling distance of my home, often with my two young sons in tow.“
Ciara Leming
Given the historic nature of this time – and the local appreciation for the project – the obvious next step was to turn the series into a physical book. This will now definitely happen as the original fundraising target for Levy Lockdown Portraits has been reached. The stretched target ends on Saturday 1st August. You can see options and contribute and secure copies of the book HERE
Ciara Leeming is a print journalist and documentary photographer who has lived in Levenshulme, Manchester, since 2004. Read an article about Ciara and her project in the Manchester Evening News HERE
Back for another year! This year is a little different of course. It’s 2020, and we’re all embracing the unknown. Rather than swapping your commute, simply ride anywhere, for any reason and with anyone. It’s still Cycle to Work Day, but with a new twist!
Whether you’ve still got a commute or not, you can get involved. This year, joining in with Cycle to Work Day means trying something different. Whether it’s early morning exercise, leaving the car on the drive as you nip to the shops, or going for a socially distanced cycle with friends and family. You might even be able to squeeze in a quick lunch-break ride. Whatever journey you’re planning on Thursday 6th August 2020, get on your bike!
Full information is available HERE
Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre has reopened to members on a limited basis from today (25th July 2020). The Centre will open to the public from 1st August with swimming available as well as gym facilities but the library will remain closed for the time being.
Full information on the staged reopening is available HERE
Manchester City Council has been allocated funding from the (Greater Manchester) Mayor’s Challenge Funding (MCF) to improve the Fallowfield Loop. Funding will go towards cycling and walking improvements to help the public safely make essential trips by walking, cycling and other active modes of travel. Measures that are already being looked at include:
The Fallowfield Loop proposals are the latest of Manchester’s Bee Network proposals to be developed and the Council is asking for feedback to help determine the details of the plan.
Find out more and submit your comments HERE
You can also see a video below about the project from Angeliki Stogia, Manchester City Council Executive Member with responsibility for environment, transport and planning.
Levenshulme councillors have released a statement regarding the continuation of the “Levenshulme Bee Network” project.
The marvellous Station South project has confirmed it has secured £100,000 funding from Railway Heritage Trust for further works:
“Good news to report that Railway Heritage Trust has committed to match fund to the tune of £100,000 in the next phase of building works to bring the railway building and structure back to everyday use, one of their key aims. We’re going to get one of those cool railway heritage plaques as well when it’s all done.”
This big project continues to progress with the help and support of people across Levenshulme and beyond.
You may also have noticed the Station South Community Collage on the advertising hoarding beside the building:
“We were feeling the need to do something creative in the midst of all of the Covid-19 unknowns. We decided to ask that the talents of the neighbourhood help us out and create a little visual booster for passers by on our Advertising Board.”
See the full update on Station South on their website HERE
Levenshulme Bee Network held a series of Webinars at the weekend (4-5th July 2020). You can watch these below or on the LBN website HERE
There were four Webinars, one for each “Park Area” Levenshulme Bee Network has identified for its project. LBN says the purpose of the Webinars was:
“…to talk through the design rationale for the trials, a bit of background on the project engagement and how the funding works for the scheme. It was also a chance for residents of each area to ask questions about the proposed filters and the wider project.”
Levenshulme Bee Network Webinars, 4-5th July 2020
There were questions submitted in advance and also viewers could type questions in live during the Webinars.
LBN Chapel Street Park Area Webinar
LBN Greenbank Park Area Webinar
LBN Cringle Park Area Webinar
LBN West Point Gardens Park Area Webinar
An article in the Manchester Evening News today (28 June 2020) raises concerns about the Levenshulme Bee Network proposals. This follows the announcement by Manchester City Council this week of a “pause” to the proposed trial that was due to start in July to allow for further consultation.
There is an extract below and you can read the full article HERE
“When plans to create a ‘fully-filtered’ neighbourhood through Levenshulme were first announced, there was enthusiasm from residents for how the area could soon become the most cycle-friendly place in Greater Manchester.
But as the impact of the plans is becoming clearer, disquiet is growing in the south Manchester suburb.
The Levenshulme Bee Network’s plans would see roads blocked to traffic by ‘modal filters’ that favour cyclists, school streets – which would restrict traffic during particular hours to make it safer for families to walk – and bus gates, stretches of road that are only open to buses, black cabs and push bikes.
The scheme would impact over 40 roads, junctions and schools.
But, following the publication of a map showing the locations of the proposed changes, some locals are concerned that traffic will be pushed into already busy roads to the benefit of quieter streets.
Others have complained that it could impact local businesses – and that the area’s elderly and non-English speaking residents have been shut out of what is supposed to be a community led project.”
Following intervention by Manchester City Council and local councillors the Levenshulme Bee Network project has been “paused” to allow for further consultation.
This follows considerable concern across our community after the Levenshulme Bee Network released proposals for a trial of 29 vehicle road blocks (referred to as “modal filters”) across the area.
The maps released by Levenshulme Bee Network at the end of May also included other things such as a series of new and improved pedestrian crossings, bike racks, a “parklet” and several bus gates blocking the road to other vehicles but these are not part of the trial that was due to start in July.
Levenshulme Community Association will continue to ensure our community is informed and involved as further information is available about what this means including how people can contribute and have their voices heard.
Dave Lythgoe who was Levenshulme’s Cobbler for many years has died.
If you wish to pay your respects Dave’s funeral cortège will pause for one minute outside his old shop under the veranda on Stockport Road at 1.50pm tomorrow (Wednesday 24th June 2020). Please gather in plenty of time and respect social distancing. The cortège will then turn left down Albert Road and on towards Southern Cemetery.
People will also be gathering from 1.30pm outside Fiddler’s Green Pub on Stockport Road.
Please see below for a tribute to Dave by Lawrence Hennigan, Chair of Levenshulme Trader’s Association and member of Levenshulme Community Association Core Group.
Read the Manchester Evening News article with more tributes and memories of Dave HERE
A trial will start in July 2020 of some of the Levenshulme Bee Network changes to our roads. 29 locations will have changes with roads being blocked to vehicle traffic. But which roads will not be affected?
Residents have made their own maps to help people see which routes will not have road blocks to vehicles on them starting in July (referred to as “modal filters”). These roads are likely to have significantly increased traffic.
The reason these have been done is the Levenshulme Bee Network maps do not show which roads traffic in the area will be redirected onto and can be used as “through routes”. They have been done by residents to help everyone understand the impact of the project and so people can plan how to change the routes they take from July.
Roads that traffic will be diverted onto:
See below for the maps. Further information on the July changes can be found HERE
Continue readingThere is a short survey available on re-opening Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
“As we look towards the reopening of our centres, we would love to hear from you! Please use the link below to complete our short survey and feel free to share! What do you use most at the centre? What have you missed the most and are you looking forward to coming back.”
MCRactive / Better
Please follow the link HERE to go to the survey.
The latest service update from Better (operators of Arcadia) on 31 May says:
An update on improvements to Levenshulme Station from Afzal Khan MP
Thanks to pressure from Afzal Khan MP together with Levenshulme’s Labour councillors and local campaigners, there is now a start date for work to improve Levenshulme station. For many years, passengers have been subjected to flooding, poor lighting and an overall lack of cleanliness at the station, and it is hoped this work will dramatically improve passenger experience.
Earlier this year, local MP Afzal Khan visited Levenshulme station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail and walked through planned upgrades. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the upgrades due to start in Spring 2020 were significantly delayed. This week, Network Rail informed Mr Khan that works are now due to start in September 2020.
Afzal Khan MP said,
“I am delighted to have a new start date for the work. Levenshulme Station is a critical transport hub for the local community. Community groups, councillors and I have been campaigning for station improvements for many years and I am pleased that our hard work is starting to pay off.”
He continued,
“Despite this good news, I will be continuing to campaign to make our station accessible for all Levenshulme residents. It was incredibly disappointing that we were not awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport in the last round of bidding, despite submitting a strong bid backed by a great community campaign. The truth is that the Tory Government has not allocated enough money for this work, and at the current rate it will take over fifty years for all of Greater Manchester’s stations to be made accessible.”
Cllr Bernard Stone said,
“Levenshulme’s Labour councillors – Dzidra [Noor] , Basat [Sheikh] and I – welcome the long overdue work being undertaken at Levenshulme Station. Local residents and Councillors have been pushing for this to be done for a long time. It is good to now have a definite start date.”
We are sad to report that well known and loved Levenshulme resident Steve Simpson died on 4th June 2020 at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Steve was a gentle and kind man who was engaged with community activities. He was particularly supportive of the Rescue Kitties group. There has already been an outpouring of love for Steve but we wanted to mark his death with an announcement.
Levenshulme Bee Network is holding a series of “webinars” on the “Filtered Neighbourhood Trials” starting in July 2020. These involve blocking off roads to motorised vehicles in 29 locations across the area. Pedestrians and cyclists can still access these roads through the “filters”.
Please see the LCA post HERE for full details including maps.
The Webinars will be held:
Saturday 4th July
Sunday 5th July
To participate in a webinar send and email to hello@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk quoting the Park Area you are interested in.
UPDATE
You can now register directly using the links below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Topic: Chapel Street Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: Cringle Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: Greenbank Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: West Point Gardens Park Area Webinar + Q&A
ANOTHER UPDATE
If you would like to send in any questions for the Q and A – we are using the links below to collect questions so people can ask and then upvote the most popular ones to be answered in the sessions.
Submit Cringle Field Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Chapel Street Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Greenbank Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit West Point Gardens Webinar questions HERE
If you would like to get in touch about anything please email trial@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk
Levenshulme residents organised a protest in Cringle Park to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in the USA. Levenshulme Councillors Basat Sheikh and Dzidra Noor joined the protest.
See below for a gallery of photographs. Photographs courtesy of and copyright to Tony Gribben.
Continue readingLevenshulme and surrounding areas are about to experience major changes to our roads.
This is the first stage of the changes being imposed by the Levenshulme Bee Network Project. This is a new idea to create a “Filtered Neighbourhood” and to make walking and cycling easier by blocking off roads and restricting access for motorised vehicles. A whole host of other ideas are planned as well. This is just the start.
Travelling around Levenshulme and getting to and from the area will never be the same again.
12 June update
Please note that the information below was correct when it was posted. However, Levenshulme Bee Network has now changed the description on its website about the July 2020 changes. There is nothing on their website to indicate this has been changed.
Original text when the announcement was made:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
These will remain in place for a minimum of six months whilst we consult and tweak the filters with your feedback. They will then become permanent within 18 months.”
New text as of 12 June 2020:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
The trial will be undertaken using an experimental traffic regulation order which means that we can make changes following your feedback and monitor the impact for the first 6 months before the Council decides if the filters will be implemented on a permanent basis. All feedback from residents and monitoring of traffic, pedestrian and cycling levels as well as air quality levels will be considered before any of the filters are installed permanently.”
See below for details of the roads that will be affected, what will be done in July and maps including these changes.
Continue readingApplications for discretionary grants for small businesses close TODAY at 10pm.
Please see below for full details and a link to apply.
Continue readingJeremy Hoad, Levenshulme Pride Organiser and Chair of Friends of Manchester’s Gay Village is a panellist on one of the Pink News Pride for All videochats at 13.00 today.
01:00 pm BST Safe Spaces after COVID-19
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about safe spaces? Joining PinkNews on this panel to discuss this are Asifa Lahore, Switchboard’s Natasha Walker, and Levenshulme Pride organiser Jeremy Hoad.
Follow this link to see what else is happening and view the videochat:
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/pride-for-all/
We are delighted that three groups connected with Levenshulme have won Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Congratulations to AllFM, Burnage Library and Manchester Parents Group for their invaluable and inspirational activities.
All FM announced the award on their Facebook page with the simple statement:
“We’re delighted to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Hurrah!!!!!”
ALL FM 96.9 uses radio to improve the lives of the people and communities of Greater Manchester. Broadcasting live, 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, it provides a positive medium of expression for those in our communities whose voices are least heard, as well as an opportunity to highlight events, issues and the voice of the Manchester communities. Plus some of the finest music to be heard anywhere on the radio.
Announcing the award on their Facebook page, Burnage Library says:
“Our little Library has some big news to share! Our fantastic volunteer team has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Theyare an amazing bunch and really go the extra mile to welcome everyone. Big shout out to the power behind our Community Powered Library!”
Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub is run by Friends of Burnage Library, in partnership with with Southway Housing Trust and Manchester City Council. Located in the centre of Burnage, it runs activities and educational events for community groups, children and adults. The Hub is also the base for a outreach library service delivered by Manchester City Council. The programme of activities and events encourage community involvement, helping people make new friends and learn new skills. Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub is run by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to providing a much needed, and much loved resource for the community.
Manchester Parents Group’s Chair, Barbara Spence says:
“We are delighted that this culmination of many years’ work has been recognised, we would particularly like to pay tribute to Catherine Johnson, the late Joyce Leyland and the late Brenda Oakes all of who led Manchester Parents Group from its inception. We would also like to thank the group of volunteers for their commitment, over the years, in supporting the work of the group.”
Manchester Parents Group is a voluntary organisation which supports families and friends of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Volunteers are all parents of lesbian, gay and bisexual sons and daughters and understand the confusion and questions people may have when they first find out their child is gay.
MPG volunteers have accepted their children’s sexuality and want to help other parents and family members to do the same. MPG works to help people understand gay and lesbian children in various ways.
Manchester Parents Group has been a partner and participant in Levenshulme Pride since it was founded in 2017. See the post on the Levenshulme Pride website HERE
The government has also launched a new Covid Alert Level system administered by the newly created Joint Biosecurity Centre. There are five levels:
These alert levels currently only apply in England.
At the moment the government has not provided much more than some slides on this new alert system so please click HERE for a summary from the BBC.
As of today (June 1) the alert level remains at Level 4 although the government has confirmed that schools are re-opening to more pupils, shops and businesses are reopening, restrictions on the most vulnerable shielded people are being relaxed and sport is starting up again.
A Test and Trace system has been launched by NHS England. The new service:
This system applies in England. Equivalent systems have already been introduced or are being developed in the rest of the UK.
An NHS Phone App has been developed and was said to be the essential basis of the test and trace system but the system has now been launched before the app is ready.
To find out how test and trace works click HERE
Many of you will have noticed that the lovely Living Tree that we planted on the Village Green is looking, well, less than living. Unfortunately this tree along with three others in other locations have died. This is despite our collective efforts as a community to welcome our tree to Levenshulme, make it feel happy and keep it watered (huge thanks to everyone who helped with that).
But don’t worry, Levenshulme Community Association has been working with Manchester City Council and the suppliers to find a solution. We are pleased to confirm that the tree will be replaced. This is at no additional cost to us.
A new tree will be supplied and planted later in the year and we will let everyone know when this happens so we can collectively say hello to our new living Living Tree.
A new test and trace system has been introduced in England (versions of this have been or are soon to be introduced across the UK).
The NHS test and trace service:
Please click HERE to find out about the government guidance.
If you show any symptoms of being infected with Covid19 you can get a test HERE.
Please note the NHS app that is being developed is not ready and has not yet been launched outside the trials being done.
Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in our community, particularly in these difficult times when so many places are closed and we must observe strict social distancing rules as part of the covid19 lockdown.
Transport for Greater Manchester is doing a survey on future travel arrangements. TfGM say:
“The coronavirus has affected all our lives, from how we work and shop to how we travel. Getting our future transport network right will be central to getting more and more of Greater Manchester moving again. We want to keep you safe, support our economy and ensure our recovery is sustainable, so we can cut congestion and have cleaner air.”
You can do the survey HERE (it takes about 15 minutes)
The survey deadline is 8am Monday 1 June 2020
What to do if you have a dental problem during the COVID-19 pandemic
If you have a dental issue during lockdown, it is important that you know how to access help when you need it. All high street dental and orthodontic practices can give advice, guidance and prescriptions, which you can collect from your local pharmacy.
If you are in pain or in need of support and need help or advice, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way. If you are not registered with a dentist you can go to https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist or call the dental helpline:
This may be because you have severe toothache or a dental infection, or you have noticed other changes inside your mouth such as a white orred patch, a lump or an ulcer that won’t heal. You will be assessed and given advice over the phone, which may result in a remote consultation with a dentist.
To support NHS services, it is important that you do not visit hospitals or doctors’ surgeries with dental problems.
This information is from the NHS England and NHS Improvement North West website
The Deaf Health Charity SignHealth provides daily summaries of coronavirus information in British Sign Language.
Please click HERE to go to their website for the latest video. You can find all of the two minute updates on the SignHealth Youtube Playlist HERE
This information is also available in the LCA Coronavirus Resources page HERE
The video for 14th May is provided below.
Transport for Greater Manchester has released new travel advice.
“Coronavirus has affected all aspects of our lives, including how we travel.
This week government published a new guide to help people understand if and when they should travel – and how to do so safely during the coronavirus outbreak in England.
The guide gives advice for walking, cycling, driving and travelling on public transport.
The Government’s latest advice is that you should stay at home as much as possible, work from home if you can, stay local and only travel if it is necessary.
If you do have to travel, walk, cycle or drive if you can and continue to avoid public transport unless you have no other option – leave it for those with no alternative.
Increased walking and cycling will be essential to reduce pressure on our roads and public transport networks so please do consider this as one of your options.
If you have to use public transport, please help to keep yourself and others safe:
Please be aware that a face covering is not the same as a surgical mask or respirator, these should be left for health and social care staff and other key workers who need them to protect against risks in their workplace.
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. You should wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off. Government has published an online guide on wearing and making a face covering.
Where possible people using public transport should also look to travel outside of peak times in the morning and evening and leave extra time for journeys. Also make sure you check timetables before you travel.
If you are an employer or employee about to return to a workplace which has recently reopened, TfGM has produced a factsheet with further information to support you.
For the latest updates on services, timetables and safety advice, visit the TfGM coronavirus webpage.
Please share this message with your friends, family and colleagues, and we’ll continue to keep you updated.
Stay safe,
Stephen Rhodes
Customer Director
Transport for Greater Manchester “
See the advice on the TfGM website HERE
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead at a house on Westminster Street in Levenshulme.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
Read the initial MEN report HERE
Further coverage from the MEN is available HERE
A report from ITV is available HERE
Anyone with any information can contact police on 0161 856 5018, quoting incident number 2855 of 7/5/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The UK government has released new guidance on its proposed “recovery strategy” described as a “roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis”. The contents are listed below for reference.
The new guidance provides information on changes to the current restrictions in place since 23rd March 2020 and changes planned for the coming weeks and months.
Please note that although this is identified as guidance from the UK government it only applies in England. The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have independent responsibility for their own approaches.
Click HERE to view the document on the government website.
Click HERE to download a copy of the PDF
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on the proposals, 10 May 2020
Response from Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, 11 May 2020
May 9th is Europe Day. This is the day when people across Europe come together to celebrate peace and unity in Europe following the horrors of the two World Wars. The day was chosen in recognition of the Schuman Declaration in 1950 which was the precursor to the formation of many European collaborative institutions and organisations. It was itself preceded by the formation of the Council of Europe in 1949.
The May Bank Holiday is on Friday 8th May this year to coincide with the VE Day celebrations. VE stands for Victory in Europe and this year it is the 75th anniversary of the day victory was declared in Europe during the Second World War.
Obviously the planned events and activities have been cancelled during the Covid19 crisis. However, here are some suggestions for how people can mark the event while maintaining lockdown and social distancing rules.
The Royal College of Nursing has joined forces with the Royal College of Midwives and UNISON – collectively representing more than a million NHS and public service staff – to campaign for a moment of reflection at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.
The minute’s silence will be held on International Workers’ Memorial Day. It will allow the nation to pay respect to those whose work involved caring, saving lives, and keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe, while showing support for families who have lost a loved one.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said:
“We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe. I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.
“The silence is a simple show of respect for those who have paid the very highest price, but their loved ones must know the levels of gratitude we feel as a nation and take some comfort from that.”
Prime Minister’s statement outside 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2020 on the day he returned to work following his illness with Covid19.
The government’s Job Retention Scheme is now live and taking claims.
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You can find full information and guidance HERE
You can submit a claim HERE
Paul Magrs will be reading his wonderful story Stardust and Snow tonight at 7pm on Facebook Live.
Click HERE to go to his Facebook page.
Please see below a message from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall opening the new NHS Nightingale North West Hospital in Manchester.
At this difficult time it is important to be aware of our mental health and wellbeing. The NHS has support via its Every Mind Matters programme where you can develop your own Action Plan.
Click HERE for further information.
The LGBT Foundation has launched a befriending service to help people during the covid19 lockdown.
“Our new telephone befriending programme Rainbow Brew Buddies aims to reduce loneliness for LGBT people across Greater Manchester who may have reduced opportunities to make social connections due to the recent coronavirus outbreak or other circumstances in their life.
Those who sign up for the service will be allocated a buddy, who will have received training from LGBT Foundation and have passed a DBS check. You will then “get-together” over the phone with them for a brew and a chat at least once a week for around 30 minutes.”
Full details are available on the LGBT Foundation website HERE
Government advice on leaving the house for exercise have been updated for people with autism or learning difficulties. The government advice now says:
“You can leave your home for medical need. If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health – including if that involves travel beyond your local area – then you can do so. This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day – ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.
Even in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those exercising, travel outside of the home should be limited, as close to your local area as possible, and you should remain at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer at all times.”
The head of the “Bee Unique” sculpture in Crowcroft Park has been sawn off. The vandalism was discovered on Easter Sunday.
Read the MEN report HERE
The limit for contactless payment has been raised from £30 to £45. Please remember to check when shopping to help avoid touching keypads. If you exceed the new £45 limit you can also ask for shopping to be put through in more than one payment to ensure you stay below the limit and can use contactless payment. The increase has been rolled out over the last week so should apply in most places.
A message from the Prime Minister on the day he has come out of hospital following treatment for Covid19.
Greater Manchester Law Centre has developed a guide to support residents and support organisations to assist people through the current health emergency.
This guide will be updated regularly as the situation develops. This guide is correct to 3rd April 2020. A downloadable version of the guide is available here
A new page has been added to the LCA website for the UK government covid19 press conferences.
The page includes a link to the video of each press conference, a daily transcript / report and downloads of the slides used.
The page is available in the drop down menu on the Coronavirus (Covid19) menu tab. You can go directly to the page HERE
How to tell GMP about a possible breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures
If so, please call 999 now.If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS serviceExternal Link.
If you’re concerned about a business or venue that’s open and you don’t think it should be, please check the guidance on this first.
We’re seeking to resolve situations where people appear to be or are contravening the government advice on physical social distancing and the stay at home measures without resorting to enforcement and issuing fines.
Please only tell us about something if you feel there is a significant issue or breach which you think we need to know about.
Use the form available HERE to report any concerns about breaches of the regulations and where they are.
