Update about Bolton Council's response to the pandemic.
Benefits to testing programme for critical workers who can’t work from home
Information was sent out earlier this week to invite staff who don’t have coronavirus symptoms and who can’t work from home, to book appointments for twice weekly testing.
This programme has been set up to quickly identify symptom-free cases in the workplace to protect you and ensure vital council services can continue to run effectively.
We are urging staff in this identified group to take part to:
- Protect yourself and your loved ones - 1 in 3 cases have no symptoms so can unknowingly be passed on to family and friends who may be more vulnerable.
- Protect your colleagues and prevent the virus spreading in the workplace.
- Help the council provide essential services, ensuring cases are isolated quickly.
- Prevent transmission of the virus and therefore bring the rate of infection down in Bolton.
If you are a critical worker who can’t work from home, please book your tests:
FAQs are available online.
If you have any further questions please email boltontesting@bolton.gov.uk
Please note, if you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, including a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss of normal taste or smell, you must not turn up to any of the asymptomatic testing sites and should instead book a test through the normal process via the gov.uk website.
Had the vaccine? Keep following the rules!
As the vaccine rolls out, it’s important that everyone continues to follow the rules.
We don’t yet know if the vaccine prevents transmission – you could potentially still carry and transmit the virus to other vulnerable people, even if you are protected.
Please continue to follow the rules to reduce transmission:
- Hands – wash your hands often.
- Face – wear a face covering.
- Space – stay 2m apart.
- Limit contact – do not mix with anybody you do not live with or is not part of your support bubble.
Business Grants
A number of business grants are available as part of the ongoing support to businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions.
The council can tell you what types of grants are available, if you’re eligible and deadlines for applications. Some applications are closing within days so don’t delay applying.
Find out more about business grants.
Tributes to Captain Tom
Bolton Town hall was lit up on Wednesday night in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore who passed away earlier this week.
The 100-year-old Army veteran inspired the nation by walking laps of his garden to raise millions for NHS charities.
A national “clap for Sir Tom” was held on Wednesday night at 6pm.
Consultation on Farnworth market precinct plans
Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has launched a public consultation on £50m plans to transform the former Farnworth market precinct into a vibrant new town centre community.
It follows the recently agreed deal to regenerate the site and drive forward a key part of the local authority’s masterplan for rejuvenating the town centre.
Residents are asked what they think about the proposals for around 200 modern homes around a new public square and flexible indoor community space with a village hall feel.
Council gets tough on litter and flytipping with new fines
Bolton council is cracking down on flytipping and people who drop litter with a new fines regime set to come into force.
Fines for dropping litter will increase from £80 to £150 while householders could be held responsible if they pay illegal waste carriers to take away waste which is then flytipped.
The council will also issue a £150 fine to the registered owner if rubbish is dumped at the roadside from a vehicle.
Get back in the saddle this spring
This March join Ride it Out for a fun way to get back into cycling with the arrival of spring.
The warmer weather and brighter days provide the ideal opportunity to get back on your bike and enjoy all the benefits that go with it.
Register for free and each week in March you will get new reasons to ride your bike and advice on how to do it.
Looking after your mental wellbeing
Covid-19 has had an impact on people right across the world and it’s important during this time to take care of your mind as well as your body.
Everyone will be reacting in their own way. You might be feeling down, worried or anxious or you might be feeling all these things at once.
Remember, it is ok to feel like this. These are normal reactions to uncertainty and to challenging evets.
The Every Mind Matters website includes help and advice for looking after your mental- wellbeing.