Changes to PCR testing
From Tuesday 11 January anyone with a positive lateral flow test, but no COVID symptoms will not be required to take a further PCR test and will be required to self-isolate immediately. Anyone testing positive via a lateral flow test with symptoms will still be required to book a PCR test.
For more information about the changes to PCR testing, visit the GOV.UK website.
Changes to Isolation regulations
Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating can now reduce their isolation period after completing five full days, if you test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature.
For more information on isolation period guidance visit the GOV.UK website.
Rapid lateral flow test kits
There are currently supply issues with the lateral flow rapid tests. We are prioritising local health, social care and educational settings to keep the workforce, patients, students, teachers and vulnerable residents of settings, safe.
There are limited supplies available at the council’s gateway buildings, please only pick up one of these if you need a rapid test for work or educational purposes only. We expect supplies to be available again from next week.
The government portal is providing kits but is regularly offline while restocking so please keep checking the portal at other times if you need a delivery when it becomes available.
If you are unwell please seek a PCR test, but if not available you should treat a positive lateral flow as a confirmed case and report online.
The government has introduced Plan B in England in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
This means:
- Face coverings are required by law in most indoor settings.
- From 13 December office workers who can work from home should do so.
- From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption
From 17 January there are changes to the self-isolation requirements.
This information will continue to be updated. For full details, visit GOV.UK for how to stay safe and how to prevent the spread.
COVID rates are increasing in Salford and across the country. Additional measures have been put in place to respond to the Omicron variant to slow its spread.
Key protections remain in place:
- Free testing is available for people who feel unwell and regular rapid testing for people to protect themselves and others
- The vaccination programme is available for anyone who has not yet had a first or second COVID vaccination or is now ready for a booster jab
- We continue to encourage the use of the NHS COVID-19 app as well as the NHS App which can connect to your vaccine record
Our key advice is to:
- Follow the latest government regulations and guidance on working from home, face coverings, self-isolation and use of the NHS vaccination pass
- Wear a face covering where it is required and where recommended
- Wash your hands frequently
- Meet outside rather than inside where possible and avoided crowded places
- Ventilate your home and open the windows in shared spaces
- Frequently clean surfaces and areas that are regularly touched
- Get your COVID vaccination and follow up boosters when called - the vaccine reduces the risk of serious illness and death as well reducing the spread of the virus.
And help reduce COVID rates by:
- Get a PCR test if you are unwell and stay at home
- Take up regular rapid tests especially when you are going to places where there are people you don’t normally meet
- Self-isolate if positive and required to
- Use the NHS COVID pass
If you need to self-isolate due to coronavirus support may be available.
Coronavirus level in Salford
Information about the number of cases, including where the cases are in Salford:
Further information about recorded coronavirus cases in Salford can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
Downloadable documents
If you are unable to view documents of these types, our downloads page provides links to viewing software.
Who to contact
Remember you can contact us quicker, easier, better online.
- Name
- Spirit of Salford Helpline
- Telephone
- 0800 952 1000