The number of Covid infections is rising across West Lancs and some GP practices are reporting the highest numbers they've seen since the start of the pandemic.

• The number of people testing positive in the Borough has increased by 30% in the 7 days to July 22^nd
  

• The age group most affected are 25-34 year olds, with the top wards affected being Upholland, Scott, and Skelmersdale South

• The current rate of infections across West Lancs is 572 cases per 100,000

•  Find out what's happening in your postcode here

If you have no symptoms:

To avoid spreading it to others without knowing, we can:

• Get tested before meeting up with others
• Get tested before going out to eat/to the pub/to the cinema
• Get tested before going to large events like weddings or sports matches

We are all able to get TWO FREE TESTS per week - get yours by:

• Taking the test at a symptom free testing site
• Collecting tests from a symptom free testing site to use at home later
• Ordering home testing kits online if you cannot attend a testing site

For information on all testing sites across West Lancs or how to order a test online, go to: westlancs.gov.uk/symptom-freetesting

If you have symptoms:

• If you have covid-19 symptoms, you will need to self-isolate and get a test here.

• If you have a positive test, you should immediately self-isolate and if eligible, can apply for financial support here

The local vaccination programme has done a fantastic job of offering easy access to covid vaccines: 

Local vaccination clinics this weekend

• A number of clinics are offering walk-in vaccinations this weekend

• Those yet to have their jab in the younger age groups are being urged to come forward

• Anyone who is 18 or over is eligible and there is no need to book
  

• The clinics are offering both first and second doses of the vaccines (second doses need to be at least 8 weeks after the first)

Book an appointment at a regular clinic

If the above dates don't suit, you can still book an appointment at the ongoing regular West Lancs vaccination clinics by:

• Booking online through the National Booking Service system
• Booking an appointment by phoning free on 119

The third way local people are helping fight the pandemic in West Lancs is by helping those around them.  

If you have an idea that could help people and communities recover from covid-19, don't forget to apply for a Community Champions grant.

Don’t delay, closing dates are from end of July.....

Community Champions grants

Grants ranging from £1,000 - £25,000 are available to West Lancashire voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations, to support the work they’re doing in helping communities impacted by COVID-19.

Funding focus

The grant scheme is focused on supporting individuals and communities affected by the pandemic, especially those in vulnerable groups, and the main priority areas for this grant scheme are to:

• Help people and communities to recover from the impact that COVID-19 has had on their life
• Improve health and wellbeing - such as helping people to be active
• Support the delivery of important and positive COVID-19 messages
• Reduce isolation
• Support the commitment to a greener West Lancashire

Applications can be for new project ideas or to support existing activities.

For full details, application forms and guidance go to the Community Champions microsite:

www.wlcvs.org/community...

Can you help us get the word out?

We are working with West Lancashire Borough Council to get accurate information into the heart of communities and would be grateful if you could pass this on to your networks.

Please join in these efforts by cascading these messages on to your work colleagues, friends and families using the share buttons below: