Update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Follow bubble rules to help fight Covid-19
Not sticking to the rules on Covid-19 support bubbles risks undermining the fight against the virus, says Bolton Council's Director of Public Health.
Dr Helen Lowey is urging people to keep social contact with people outside their own household to an absolute minimum, as health services in Bolton come under mounting pressure and case numbers rise across the borough.
Vaccinations programme expands in Bolton
More over-80s will receive the Covid-19 jab in Bolton as new vaccination sites are unveiled across the borough. The council is also working with Bolton CCG to vaccinate all care home residents by the end of January.
Testing staff in Early Years settings
Early Years settings (which are not attached to a primary school) are part of the local community testing programme targeted at critical workers who cannot work from home, which begins next week.
Early Years settings will initially be asked to register an interest in taking part in the programme. Further information will be communicated through Start Well including how to book.
Invitation to testing will be invite only, staff will not be able to just to turn up at the centre. We are advising workers to get tested twice weekly, but as a minimum once a week.
Residents reminded self-isolation is now a legal requirement
If you are required to self-isolate, you must do so by law. You could be fined if you do not self-isolate.
You must self-isolate if:
- You develop symptoms
- Live with someone who has tested positive or has symptoms
- You are contacted by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
Bolton to benefit from symptom-free testing
A targeted COVID-19 testing programme is being introduced in Bolton, helping protect our community by identifying those who have the virus but may not realise it. Asymptomatic rapid testing is now being offered to a targeted group of critical workers across the borough.
This will help support vital health, social and community services to keep running safely.
Warning over Covid-19 vaccine fraudsters
People are being warned to watch out for fraudsters who are using the Covid-19 vaccine to trick people into handing over cash or financial details. Scammers are sending people texts, and in some cases phoning people and asking for payment to administer the vaccine.
The messages can appear convincing – and look as though they have come from the NHS. Remember, the NHS will never ask you for payment or your bank details – or ask you to confirm your identity by sending personal documents such as your passport. The Covid-19 vaccine is free and you will be contacted by the NHS when it’s your turn to get the vaccine.
Please send suspicious text messages to 7726 or forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
Advice on accessing our green spaces safely
The government has updated the guidance for using green spaces safely to reflect the new national restrictions.
Members of the public should minimise the time spent outside their home, but they can leave their home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and they should not travel outside their local area.
You can exercise in any of our local parks and green spaces:
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- or, when on your own, with one person from another household
Find out more about the new guidance.
Shop safely whilst buying essentials
During this time of national lockdown shops selling essential items such as food are still open. Please remember to shop safely by wearing a face covering, keeping your distance form others and sanitising or washing your hands regularly.
Help for businesses and grants
If you own a business and have been affected by coronavirus there is help and advice available here.
Bolton parents urged: “only request school places where absolutely necessary”
Parents in Bolton are being asked not to request a school place for their child unless it is absolutely necessary. During the national lockdown, all schools in Bolton remain open for vulnerable pupils and the children of critical workers.
All other pupils are asked to learn remotely from home in order protect them, their families and school staff.
Audio translations of national lockdown guidelines available
You can access the government’s stay at home message in a 30 second audio clip in the following languages:
- Bengali
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Panjabi
- Polish
- Somali
- Urdu
COVID Support Hub: Valuable lifeline helps thousands of Bolton residents
During this further period of national lockdown, Bolton’s COVID-19 support hub continues to provide vital services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Set up at the beginning of the pandemic, the humanitarian support hub delivers food parcels and essential items to Bolton residents in need.
Bolton’s Humanitarian Food Hub are continually in need of many food items. Please would you be able to support by providing food donations of these items:
- Tins - meat, veg, chopped tomatoes, fruit, beans
- 500g boxes of breakfast cereal
- Cordial
- Long life milk
- Custard powder
- 1kg bags of rice
- Pasta (500g)
- Jars of pasta sauce
- Biscuits,
- Male toiletries
- Nappies, Wipes
If you are able to purchase any of these items please take it to Unit 4, Trinity Retail Park, Bradford Street, Springfield, Haulgh, Bolton, BL2 1HY (in the old ‘Staples’ unit at the bottom on the far right opposite where Toys R Us used to be) on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.
Please click here if you’d like to give a monetary donation.
For further information please contact Sam Bagley at samuel.bagley@urbanoutreach.co.uk
Bolton opens the UK’s second pioneering CYCLOPS junction
The UK’s second innovative CYCLOPS junction has opened at the corner of Newport Street and Trinity Street
The unique design separates pedestrians and cyclists from traffic, reducing the risk of accidents.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Stuart Haslam, said: “Motorists will benefit from reduced journey times, pedestrians will find it easier to cross this busy section of road and it is also better for cyclists.”
Residents asked to feedback on plans for low traffic neighbourhood in Bolton
Residents in Bolton are being asked how they’d like to improve where they live as part of plans to create a series of new low-traffic neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester.
Junction improvement work to start in town centre
Work to make Bolton town centre’s roads safer for everyone continues in the new year.
Junction improvements and new segregated bike lanes are planned for Bridgeman Place, Lower Bridgeman Street and Bradford Street.