Covid-19 updates – 9th March 2021

Key updates this week include where to get a lateral flow test locally (at the time of writing there are two pharmacies in Balsall Heath doing testing), free tests for households with school aged children, details of vaccinations for over-55s, test kits for employers as well as opportunity to get the latest Covid-19 information in Punjabi.

Council Launches Test Site Map

Birmingham City Council has launched an interactive map showing the locations of all the main lateral flow testing centres across the city. Click here to find your community’s nearest site.

Households With School Age Children Get Free COVID-19 Tests

The Government has confirmed twice-weekly testing using rapid lateral flow tests will be given for free to all families and households with primary, secondary school and college aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles. Click here to find out more. Click here for guidance and support on testing in education and childcare.

Over-55s Now Being Offered Vaccine

People aged 55 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Others include:

  • people who are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
  • people who are at moderate risk from coronavirus (clinically vulnerable)
  • people who live or work in care homes
  • health and social care workers
  • people who get Carer’s Allowance.

Those who are eligible will be contacted by the NHS to book their vaccination. Click here to find out more. Click here to book a vaccination.

Employers Eligible for Free Employee Test Kits

The Government scheme which allows employers in England to order free lateral flow tests for their employees is due to close on 31 March. Click here to register if you are an employer of over fifty people, or if you are an employee who would like to share the scheme with your employer.

Punjabi Language COVID-19 Awareness Session

The Ethnic Minority Council is hosting an online Punjabi language COVID-19 awareness session at 1pm on Thursday 11 March. Part of the session will be devoted to questions from participants. Click here to register for the event.

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