Further Information and Guidance

Information for residents

General Covid-19 advice and support 

Testing

For most people in England, free testing for coronavirus (Covid-19) by the NHS has stopped. If you aren't eligible for a free NHS test, and you want to get tested, you must pay for a Covid-19 test yourself. 

You can buy a Covid-19 test in person, or online, from some pharmacies and retailers.

Coronavirus testing in Trafford

Staying at home

If you test positive for Covid-19 you're not legally required to self-isolate. But, in order to reduce the spread of infection please stay at home if you can and avoid contact with others. After getting a positive test adults should try to stay at home for five days and children should try to stay at home for three days.

Although, for most vaccinated people, Covid and flu aren't life threatening we're still seeing some people becoming seriously ill. So, to help stop the spread of Covid, flu, and other potentially serious illnesses you’re advised to stay at home, and avoid contact with other people, if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as Covid-19. As well as not feeling well enough to go to work, or carry out normal activities, and a high temperature.

Advice from central government

Most Covid-19 restrictions have ended meaning those who’ve tested positive no longer have a legal duty to isolate.  

However, if you've tested positive for Covid-19 you're still advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

The public can reduce the risk of catching and passing on Covid-19 by:

  • Getting vaccinated;
  • Ventilating indoor spaces or meeting outside;
  • Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially if meeting with people you don't usually meet, and when rates of transmission are high; 
  • Trying to stay at home if you're unwell;
  • Washing and sanitising your hands;
  • Following the advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.” To do this you should carry tissues with you, catch your sneezes and coughs into them and dispose of them in a bin.

From April 1, only those classed as vulnerable will have access to free symptomatic and asymptomatic testing.

Living safely with respiratory infections, including Covid-19

Food and medical support

For help and support with food and medical supplies contact the Trafford Community Response Line on 0300 330 9073.

The line will be open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm

Read more about our Community Response Hubs

View details of the other community hubs in Greater Manchester

Health and wellbeing

Staying healthy during coronavirus

Mental health support

Trafford Assist

Trafford Assist is the Trafford Council’s local welfare assistance scheme to help residents in short-term acute financial difficulties.

The scheme helps provide:

  • Financial assistance to purchase food.
  • Financial assistance for emergency gas and electricity.
  • Financial assistance towards the cost of essential travel not funded through other schemes.
  • Essential furniture / white goods.

 Find more information and apply for welfare support

Information for businesses

Employers still have a legal duty to manage risks. To do this they should complete a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of Covid-19, and take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks identified. Working safely guidance sets out a range of mitigations employers should consider including, such as:

  • Regularly cleaning surfaces that people touch.
  • Identifying poorly ventilated areas and improving the air flow.
  • Ensuring unwell staff and customers don't enter the workplace or venue.
  • Communicating to staff and customers the measures you've put in place.

Keep up to date

To sign up to the Trafford business bulletin, email business@trafford.gov.uk

All businesses should follow the principles set out in the reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including Covid-19, in the workplace guidance.

Food safety advice for businesses offering a takeaway food service

During a coronavirus outbreak you can still offer a delivery or takeaway food service whether you're a restaurant, pub, coffee shop or home caterer.

Takeaway and food delivery safety guidance