Bolton Council have introduced additional measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus as the latest figures show the Borough has the highest infection rates in the country having recently risen to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week.
The largest group affected are those between 18 and 49 years old, who account for more than 90% of the cases.
The public are being advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, which means travel to education, work, and essential appointments only eg hospital appointments
They are also being told not to mix with other households in any setting indoors or outdoors anywhere. This does not apply in a support bubble.
It is hoped that these measures will prevent a local lockdown in Bolton and bring the COVID rates in the area back in line with the rest of the UK.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh and Tony Oakman, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, said:
“It has been a tough period for individuals, families and businesses but we don’t want to throw away all our hard work by allowing the infection rate to rise even higher.
“Now, more than ever, we need everyone in Bolton to play their part.
“Nobody wants these restrictions to remain a moment longer than necessary and we believe these new measures will keep everyone safe and help avoid a full lockdown in Bolton.
“Since the start of this pandemic, the people of Bolton have worked incredibly hard to combat this pandemic. Alongside a range of additional measures and interventions across Bolton we are asking everyone, particularly the younger age groups, to continue to follow the guidelines.”
Dr Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health for Bolton Council, said that everyone has a part to play as the borough fights to stop the virus spreading further:
“This is a crucial stage in our response to the coronavirus and what we will do now will significantly impact how quickly we can reduce the rate to as low a level as possible.
“We are carrying out extra testing including giving out home testing kits, and are carrying out extra site visits to support businesses to be Covid secure, and carrying out enforcement where necessary.
“Evidence from Oldham and Blackburn shows stopping households mixing works.
“For this to work, we all need to play our part to protect our vulnerable friends and relatives.
“As well as these additional measures, please remember the importance of washing hands, maintaining distance, wearing a face covering and getting a test if you have symptoms.”
