74,078 people in the borough have now had a second Covid-19 vaccination

Date published: 28 May 2021

More than 74,000 people in the Rochdale borough have now received their second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and over 124,400 people in the borough have also received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

In his weekly update, chief executive of Rochdale Council, Steve Rumbelow informed councillors that the infection rate had increased slightly (to 47 cases per 100,000 people) and a growing proportion of local cases are the Indian variant.

 

 

Thousands of residents from across the borough of Rochdale received their first Covid-19 vaccination jab last weekend at one-off vaccination clinics put in place to help stop the spread of new variants of the disease.

The clinics were set up at Bowlee Park School, Rochdale Infirmary, Kashmir Youth Project, Wardleworth Community Centre and the borough’s first-ever drive-through vaccination site at Rochdale Football Club.
 

Read more: Huge response to extra vaccination clinics as thousands more get their first covid jabsPublished: 24 May 2021

 

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Progress of local vaccination programme

In his weekly update, chief executive of Rochdale Council, Steve Rumbelow informed councillors that, as of 22 May, the infection rate had increased.

He said: “Early data for the next two days shows that we can expect the rate to increase further still.”

Rates amongst the Asian population still remain higher than in the white population, and higher rates are seen in the 10-19 and younger adult age groups.

Mr Rumbelow said: “A growing proportion of our cases are the Indian variant, which we know is more transmissible.

“With cases on the rise, it’s important that we all remain vigilant and we would encourage members to continue to highlight to residents in their wards the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as they are able to and taking part in regular testing.”

The infection rate remains very high in Bolton, which is still under the national spotlight, and neighbouring boroughs Wigan, Bury and Blackburn with Darwen are also seeing increases in case numbers.

There are currently no covid patients in Rochdale Infirmary, although there are a small number in Fairfield Hospital, all of whom have pre-existing medical conditions.

A large number of council staff volunteered to work alongside colleagues from the Rochdale Health Alliance, the CCG, Rochdale Infirmary staff, councillors and other volunteers to help deliver a number of surge vaccine clinics over the weekend.

Mr Rumbelow added: “The clinics went very well, particularly given the short timescales we were all working to.

“In total, across all sites, 7,851 doses were delivered to a wide range of age groups, including second doses. Our first-ever drive-through clinic at the Crown Oil Arena in Spotland was particularly popular and the drop-in method was favoured by residents.

“I’d like to express my huge gratitude to everyone who came together to make them such a success. The clinics will be back on 17 and 18 July to deliver second doses. Once again, they will be situated across the whole borough, so residents can easily access them, although they may be delivered from different sites within these townships, depending on local needs and which sites are available.”

The school term ends tomorrow and families who access free school meals will continue to receive support during half term, with vouchers going out this week and next.

Mr Rumbelow added: “We’ve run this initiative throughout the pandemic and our families are very appreciative of the extra support being provided during these challenging times. Also included in the voucher pack is a leaflet for our food club.

“This scheme, which is run through our children’s centres, enables families to buy £15 worth of food for just £3.50 once they have paid an initial £1 joining fee.

“We already have 317 families signed up the scheme.”

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Case numbers in the borough have risen in the past seven days. The rate for the Rochdale borough for the week ending 21 May is 47 cases per 100,000 people, up from 43 cases per 100,000 the week before.

 

 

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Residents aged 30 and over are now being invited for a jab by the NHS Covid vaccination programme - appointments can be booked through the NHS booking service.

Residents in the Rochdale borough in groups one to nine, which includes everyone aged 50 and over, who have not yet had their first dose of a vaccine can phone or email to book.

Residents aged 50 or over, those who have been advised to shield by the government (the clinically extremely vulnerable), people over 16 with long term conditions, carers and health and social care workers who are registered with a GP in the borough (Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Milnrow and Rochdale), can book an appointment at one of the four vaccination centres in the borough by calling 0300 303 0355 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm) or emailing hmrccg.hmr.enquiries@nhs.net.

 

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Lifting lockdown

The latest stage of relaxing lockdown restrictions came into effect on Monday 17 May, with more restrictions due to be lifted next month.

Six people or two households are now permitted to meet indoors. Pubs and restaurants have reopened indoors as well as cinemas, children's activity centres, hotels, theatres and sports stadiums.

Organised indoor sport and fitness classes are able to take place for all.

All holiday accommodation can open (including hotels and B&Bs). This can be used by groups of up to 6 or 2 households.

The number of people permitted at funerals is no longer be limited to 30 people, but determined by how many people the Covid-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing. Limits at weddings, wakes and other commemorative events are also increased to 30 people.

The number of visitors permitted to visit care home residents has increased to five per resident (two at any one time), provided visitors test negative for Covid-19.
 

Read more: What you can do from Monday 17 MayPublished: 14 May 2021

 

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Where to be vaccinated?

The borough has four community vaccination centres in operation; in Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough. These local sites are run by groups of GPs with the support of the council and NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group. Vaccinations are also being administered at Rochdale Infirmary.

There are also 11 large scale vaccination centres and 38 pharmacy led sites across the North West that residents can book through the national booking service online or over the phone.

The national booking system can not be used to book in at any of the local vaccination hubs within the borough. If it is not convenient for you to travel out of the borough for a vaccination, you can opt to wait to be invited to attend one of the local vaccination centres in the Rochdale borough instead.

When it is your turn to receive the vaccine, you will be contacted by Rochdale Health Alliance or your GP surgery and invited to go for your appointment. If you’re not registered with a GP, you will need to register with one.

You must have an appointment to receive the vaccine. You cannot just turn up at one of the vaccination service centres.

Answers to key questions around the vaccination process can be found at:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/covidvaccine

 

 

The local FAST test programme has four test sites across the borough.

Anyone who cannot work from home or comes into regular contact with the public is encouraged to take up this offer of new Find And Stop Transmission (FAST) testing to protect themselves, their loved ones, and other residents.

The FAST testing programme, which use lateral flow tests, aims to identify those who unknowingly have the virus as they have no symptoms – otherwise known as asymptomatic.

As part of the national roadmap out of restrictions, the government is asking the public to take-up twice weekly FAST testing. This is quick and easy to do and you will be playing your part in helping to stop the spread of the virus, while teams work on the vaccine rollout.

You can take part at your local FAST testing site or through community collect packs.
 

Read more: Covid-19 testing packs available across the boroughPublished: 21 April 2021

FAST tests are only for people showing no symptoms. You must not attend if you have any symptoms. Tests are
free and there is no need to book you can simply turn up at one of the sites across the borough:

Rochdale – Nye Bevan House, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

• Mon to Thurs 9am - 5pm
• Fri 10am - 6pm
• Sat, Sun & bank holidays 9am - 1pm

Heywood – York House Surgery, York Street, Heywood, OL10 4NN

• Mon 10am - 6pm
• Tues to Fri 9am - 5pm
• Sat, Sun & bank holidays 9am - 1pm

Middleton – Bowlee Sports Centre, Windermere Road, Middleton, M24 4LA

• Mon to Fri 8am - 4pm
• Sat, Sun & bank holidays 9am - 1pm

Littleborough – Hare Hill Bowling Club, Townhouse Road Littleborough, OL15 9BG

• Mon to Fri 8am - 4pm
• Sat, Sun & bank holidays 9am - 1pm

Every Monday (except Easter Monday) at Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Rd, Middleton, M24 1TQ – Open 11am to 6pm.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend one of the FAST test sites. You should book a test online or by phoning 101.

 

 

The borough has three local test centres:

• Rochdale - in the car park at Rochdale Leisure Centre, Entwisle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ
• Middleton - in the marquee on the Market Place Car Park next to Middleton Arena, Old Hall Street, Middleton M24 1AG
• Heywood - Heywood Civic Centre, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

You must drive, walk or cycle to the site - do not use a taxi or public transport. If this is not possible, you'll need to order yourself a home test.

• www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test