Rule changes from Monday

From this Monday 16th August, people who are double jabbed or aged under 18 will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

Instead of self-isolating, they are being advised to get a free PCR test as soon as possible if they are identified as close contacts of a positive case.

More information here.

Find out what's happening in your area

While covid infection rates continue to climb across the UK (albeit at a slower rate), rates in West Lancashire have fallen a small amount (5%) over the last 7 days to August 12th.

Check out the local situation here.

Getting your vaccination reduces chance of infection

West Lancs CCG is reporting that having the covid vaccination dramatically reduces the likelihood that you’ll catch the virus, even mildly, and that means you’re far less likely to pass it on to someone else.

So by getting the jab, we’re not just protecting ourselves, but our family and friends too...

Where to get your vaccine in West Lancs

All 16 and 17 year olds can now get their covid vaccination.  You can either wait for a written invitation, or grab a jab this weekend at some local drop-in clinics - no need to book!

• A number of clinics are offering walk-in vaccinations this weekend - 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)
• For walk-in clinics through the next week, please check West Lancs CCG facebook page

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

If you have symptoms

• you will need to self-isolate and get a test here.

• If you have a positive test, you can apply for financial support here.

If you don't have symptoms

Getting tested twice a week is still crucial to keeping cases down.

You can either:

• Take the test at a symptom free testing site
• Collect tests from a symptom free testing site to use at home later
• Order 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

New posts in Community Champions team

We are pleased to offer the following exciting roles to increase the capacity of the Community Champions team:

• Community Development Officer – 25 hours a week
• Project Support Worker – 19.5 hours a week

The Community Champion Scheme is working to aid community-wide recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic as well as building the capacity and resilience of the West Lancs community to work together.

Both of these posts are fixed term for 12 months initially, with the potential to extend if further funding becomes available.

For further details on the roles and requirements, please click on the job titles above.

If you would like to apply, please contact Jill Bradley, Operations Manager, West Lancs CVS for an application form – jill@wlcvs.org or ring 07598552941.

The closing date for both posts is Friday 3rd September 2021.

Please note that all applicants must complete an application form and CVs will not be considered.

Healthcare on holiday

If you're going on holiday, It’s a good idea to make sure you take the contact details for your GP practice.  

Your usual GP practice can still help you by phone, video or online consultation, even when you’re away from home.

They’ll have all your medical records to hand, so always contact them first.

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: