Stockport has been chosen as one of 67 pilot areas to receive 10,000 of the rapid turnaround lateral flow tests currently being trialled in Liverpool. These new tests produce a result in less than an hour and are intended to protect those at highest risk, including NHS staff and people who live and work in care homes, find more positive cases to prevent and reduce transmission and help schools, universities and critical workplaces to remain open or re-open.

“Outbreaks”
You may hear about outbreaks in our area. Bear in mind that technically an ‘outbreak’ in a setting can be as small as two linked cases. A set procedure follows the identification of an outbreak

New protections for renters during national restrictions:
The Government has announced that renters will be protected during the national restrictions with no bailiff enforcement action until 11 January 2021 at the earliest.

New winter package to support for children and families:
The Government has announced a new £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme. This funding will be ring-fenced, with at least 80% earmarked to support with food and bills and will cover the period to the end of March 2021. Councils will receive the funding at the beginning of December 2020.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes takeaway service extension:
The Government has announced that restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide food takeaway services for another year.