What's happening in West Lancs?

• The number of people testing positive for covid in West Lancs continuing to drop but the rate has slowed considerably. Over the last 7 days to January 27th, 926 people tested positive – a drop of 14% on the week before.

• Across the UK as a whole, cases are still falling in all age groups except for primary school children and their parents’ age group where cases are rising again. This is causing the overall case rate to begin to plateau.

• Some experts are predicting that cases may stay high until the spring but most infections (in the vaccinated) are likely to continue to be ‘mild’. 

• Rates of serious illness and deaths are expected to keep falling. This is due to a growing proportion of cases being re-infections (which are usually milder) and to improving treatment options

• See the situation in your postcode here.

1.  From yesterday (27th January), there is no longer a legal requirement to wear face coverings.

However, choosing to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces can help to stop the spread of Covid.

See more information, here.

2.  From Monday 31st January, there will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed into care homes. Self-isolation periods will also be cut and now care homes only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days.

See more information, here.

3.  From 11 February, fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s  do not need to take a test on arrival when arriving in the UK. 

Arrivals who aren't fully vaccinated need proof of a negative pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.

See more information here.

• More than 37 million adults in the UK have now had a booster and more than 91% of over-50s have been boosted.

• A new study this week says vaccination reduces your chance of getting Long Covid by 41%.  The study by the Office for National Statistics found that people with covid who had had two vaccine doses reported much less long covid symptoms than those who were unvaccinated.  See the full study here.

Who can get it?

• Everyone over 12 can get a 1^st and 2^nd dose
• Everyone over 16 can also get a booster

Check all eligibility here

Where can I get it? 

1.  You can make an appointment by

• Booking online here
• Calling free phone 119

2.  Find nearest permanent vaccine drop-in clinics on the NHS website.

3.  Find the nearest temporary 'pop-up' clinics in West Lancs.

These are updated each week so keep checking this West Lancs CCG webpage for the most up to date information.

This weekend's clinics are:

You can either:

• Collect FREE tests from a symptom free local collection site to use at home later. Find your nearest collection point here.  Or

• Order FREE home testing kits online to be delivered to your home, here.

If you test positive: The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme is still available and will be in place for eligible West Lancs residents until 31 March 2022. 

If you're isolating and on a low income, unable to work from home, and facing financial hardship then you could be entitled: www.westlancs.gov.uk/more/emergencies/coronavirus/test-and-trace-support-payment.aspx

Please note:  the Test and Trace Support Payment can only be claimed if you have a positive PCR test (a Lateral Flow test doesn't count for this).

Household Support Fund

Do you need a bit of extra financial support this winter?

West Lancashire Borough Council is now welcoming applications from residents who do not have enough resources to meet their immediate short-term needs and need help with essential items such as food, energy, bills, clothing and more.

Find out more about the Household Support Fund and how to apply here.

Budgeting tool

During January, our bank balances can often look less than healthy.

West Lancashire Borough Council has a handy budgeting tool can help you to maximise your savings or help you to keep on top of your spending in the new year. 

Take a look here.

Dealing with debt

Are you struggling to pay the bills, or constantly worrying about money?

You're not alone and help is at hand.  There's lots of resources on the Healthier LSC website including advice from Emma Sylvester, Debt Services Manager at Citizens Advice Lancashire West:   www.healthierlsc.co.uk...

As part of the 'Garden of Reflection' installation at Beacon Country Park, West Lancashire Borough Council are offering families the chance to plant a memorial tree in memory of loved ones lost to COVID-19. 

Trees will be planted in the woodland alongside the Garden of Reflection which provides a serene, natural environment for people to remember friends and family.

If you would like more details about this opportunity then please get in touch via email - hannah.murphy@westlancs.gov.uk

(They have limited numbers of trees which can be planted up until the end of March 2022).

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: