Newsletter ¦ 31st December
Greetings from Age UK Bury
I hope you have had a peaceful Christmas. This week, despite increasing number of coronavirus cases in Bury, we managed to open up our café, shops, Friends Together groups and keep our Telephone service running. With so much uncertainty about who might be the next staff member or volunteer to come down with the dreaded virus, to get through the week in one piece is now a massive achievement!
In this week’s newsletter, we announce the return of Diana on our Facebook page, provide an update on coronavirus in Bury and we have another quiz to keep you busy.
Coronavirus in Bury
As of Thursday 30th December, 1,533.2 people per 100,000 in Bury tested positive for coronavirus over the last 7 days – that is an increase of 52% from the previous week. At the beginning of December, the figure was 367.1 people per 100,000, so the Omicron variant has massively increased cases in Bury.
All the evidence shows that those who have had the booster are best protected against the Omicron variant and far less likely to end up in hospital. Over the Christmas week, an additional 16,166 people in Bury received their third jab (Booster) bringing the total to 91,646 people (51.9%). A big thank you to the health and council staff & volunteers who have made this happen.
A list of vaccination clinics is available at https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15987
Appointments are available this weekend.
Testing for Coronavirus
You can get tested for coronavirus if:
- you have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste). See symptoms
- you have been told to have a test before you go into hospital (e.g. for surgery)
- you have been advised to get a test because you are a close contact of a confirmed case (even if you don't have symptoms)
This is called a PCR test and can be booked online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you are trying to book a PCR test online and find that the website is offering no available appointments, please revisit a few hours later, as slots do become available throughout the day.
There is a Greater Manchester helpline to help people find and book a Covid-19 vaccination. The team can help with online booking or find a site close to home. Call 0161 608 4304 Monday to Friday, open 8am – 6pm. This new service is aimed at people who aren’t online so please share with your friends who need this help.
Isolation – changes to guidance
The self-isolation advice for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed. It is now possible to end self-isolation after 7 days, following 2 negative Lateral Flow Tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the sixth day.
For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Our services
Activities at the Jubilee Centre
We are cancelling all activities for next week - Tuesday 4th January to Friday 7th January.
This is not something we do lightly. Our Jubilee Centre is nothing without our friends and we hate to cancel activities. We still have wages and bills to pay, and any closure does hit us and our tutors financially. However, the massive rise of Coronavirus cases, coupled with the difficulties of getting tests poses a significant risk to public health. We apologise to all our members and tutors and we do hope to get activities back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so.
Diana returns to Facebook
Diana will be returning to Facebook and you can join her on
- Tuesday 4th Jan from 10 to 11 for Fit for Life and on
- Wednesday 5th Jan from 1 to 1.45 for Chair-based exercise.
These events are free and if you miss her, they are available on catch-up. Click on our events page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ageukbury
Our Jubilee Centre Café
Hopefully, our cafe will be open from Tuesday 4th January from 9.30 to 4.00. If there any changes, we will send out a special newsletter, and make announcements on Facebook and Twitter
We have brought back table-only service and we ask all customers to wear facemasks if not seated.
Our two shops in Bury and Ramsbottom
Our Bury shop will open on Tuesday 4th January from 10 am to 4 pm and our Ramsbottom shop will be open from Wednesday 5th January from 10 am to 4 pm.
We are accepting donations over the counter and we can now collect from your home – give us a call on 0161 763 9030 to arrange.
Free Home Energy Checks
We are offering FREE Home Energy checks to make homes more energy efficient and warmer in the winter. Our advisors will discuss energy saving equipment with you and if suitable, these will be installed by our handyperson free of charge. We are offering equipment up to the value of £30.
To benefit from this programme, contact Ruth on 07547 400142 from Tuesday 4th January 2022 or email ruth@ageukbury.org.uk
Bury Older Peoples Network
The Bury Older Peoples Network will be meeting online on Wednesday 12th January 2022 at 11am and the topic will be about keeping our homes warm. There will be guest speakers from services who offer advice & support.
To book your place & receive zoom link please email julie.bentley@buryvcfa.org.uk
The Quiz
The answers to the last Quiz (dated 24th December) is in the link.
This week’s Quiz brings you another 40 questions to test your knowledge This quiz is just for you and your friends to enjoy. The right answers will be sent out with the next newsletter.
So it's out with the old and in with the new. Thank you for being with us through the year and supporting our work. Whatever 2022 brings, our charity will be there for you.
Happy New Year!
Andy and all at Age UK Bury
