The Council will be sending regular updates to ensure residents have up to date information, detail around any closures, and how to access vital services.
Some Council buildings will be closed to help limit the potential spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), but essential Council services will continue to support residents as much as possible.
Opportunities to volunteer and support your community as we work through this period is greatly appreciated. Find out more below.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Council staff are going above and beyond to ensure vital services for our residents can continue and we can support residents as we work together through this period.
“It’s vitally important that we all play our part and follow the advice from Public Health. Washing our hands regularly, distancing ourselves from others and supporting vulnerable people during this crisis will be essential in limiting the spread of the disease.
“It makes me proud that at times such as this Manchester people show their true mettle. Our city will be a different place for a little while, but we will carry on and we will get through this together.”
Find up to date information on the Council’s website: www.manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Information about social distancing can be found from Public Health England.
Find a set of FAQs here.
What Council services are affected?
Customer Service Centre and contacting the Counci
The Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall Extension is now closed to walk-in visitors until further notice.
A list of email contacts for Council services can be found here.
This includes contacts for support around benefits, Universal Credit, licensing, council tax and school admissions.
The call centre is currently experiencing unprecedented demand so email enquiries are being prioritised and the most urgent are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
The public is asked to only phone the Council if absolutely necessary.
Support and advice for people at risk of homelessness is available here.
If you or someone you know does not have somewhere to stay immediately, please call 0161 234 4692 or email hss@manchester.gov.uk
Enquiries will be dealt with promptly.
Business owners can find support advice here.
Leisure Centres and Events
All Council-run leisure centres will close today (Fri 20 March) from 10pm to ensure we have limit the potential spread of the virus.
However, it’s important that we all stay active and healthy in the coming months.
The NHS has a lot of information online, including free exercise tutorials that can be done at home, along with tips and advice about staying active.
And follow @GmMoving on social media for more advice and inspiration.
Libraries
The following libraries will remain open to the public, maintaining provision in the north, central and south areas of the city. They will close by 5pm each day.
– Higher Blackley (The Avenue)
– Newton Heath Library
– Gorton Library
– Longsight Library
– Central Library
– Chorlton Library
– Didsbury Library
– Withington Library
– Wythenshawe Forum
Closures are currently in place at the libraries listed below. The closed libraries are currently under review to consider how we can reopen them safely to increase library provision across the city as soon as possible for local residents.
– Barlow Moor Library
– Burnage library
– Miles Platting Community Library
– Moss Side Powerhouse Library
– Northenden Library
– New Moston Community Library
– North City Library
– Beswick Library
– Abraham Moss 5pm Friday 20 March
– Arcadia (Levenshulme) 10pm Friday 20 March
– Brooklands Library closed from 5pm Friday 20 March
– Fallowfield Library (AKA The Place on Platt Lane) will close on Saturday 21 March
Anyone who has an outstanding book return will not be fined and will have a three-month extension before the book will need to be returned.
Further information about the city’s libraries services will be updated here.
You can also access Manchester Library resources online, including e-books, audiobooks, online news resources, language courses and digital magazines.
www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries
Markets
Council-run retail markets in Gorton, Longsight and Wythenshawe will close at the close of trading on Saturday 21 March.
The Sunday Car Boot market will close from Sunday 22 March.
The decision to close these markets is in line with Public Health England advice.
The wholesale market at New Smithfield (Ashton New Road) will remain open as a vital resource as part of the city’s food chain.
Parks
Council-run parks will remain open to allow residents to get fresh air and remain active. Hand washing facilities will be available.
People using parks are urged to heed public health advice and practice correct social distancing.
Information about social distancing can be found from Public Health England.
Schools
The decision has been made nationally to close all schools and education centres at 5pm on Friday 20 March, except for the children of key workers.
Registrars
The registrars will remain open but is offering a reduced service. Residents are asked not to attend the registrars unless absolutely necessary.
Find out more about the service
How can you help?
News will follow about community support volunteering opportunities and information about how you can receive support should you need it.
Over 70s
The Council is today (Friday, 20 March) launching a campaign to support older people over the age of 70 who are currently self-isolating – encouraging anyone who has an older relative, neighbour or friend to keep in touch and check in on their well-being.
If you know of someone who is in this bracket, please consider getting in touch (as long as it’s safe to do so).
If you’re feeling anxious
It’s understandable that a lot of our residents will be feeling anxious at the moment. This is to be expected but it’s important to take note of advice and support each other during this time.
