There are currently no cases of COVID-19 among Bolton care home residents, as the borough leads the way with some of the highest vaccination rates in Greater Manchester.
In total, 93% of residents in Bolton care homes have received a vaccination with take-up among staff standing at 80%.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the care sector has worked closely with Bolton Council to put robust precautions in place and ensure the safety of both residents and staff.
A combination of these measures, together with the success of the vaccine roll-out, has helped reduce cases of the virus to its current rate of zero among care residents, as of March 25.
Many residents have now started to receive their second dose of the vaccine helping to further protect them from the virus.
As of March 8, in line with the government’s roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions, visitors have been able to meet with their loved ones inside and hold their hand for the first time in months.
Bolton Council’s Director of Adult Services and Managing Director of Bolton Integrated Care Partnership, Rachel Tanner, said:
“After a challenging year, it was absolutely right that care home residents and staff were among the first to be offered the vaccine and we are pleased that take-up has been so high.
“We continue to engage with care workers to explain the importance of the vaccine when it comes to keeping everyone safe.
“The council has always worked closely with care homes across Bolton to ensure the highest possible standards and the last 12 months has shown the value of this strong partnership.
“Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health, which is why it has been so good to see homes facilitating touch visiting so residents can feel more connected with their loved ones.”
Dr Helen Wall, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme, Bolton, said:
“We have worked hard to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine is offered it, and that began with the most vulnerable residents and frontline health and care staff.
“It’s great to see second doses being delivered in our care homes and I would encourage any member of staff who hasn’t yet had their vaccination to book it as soon as possible – there is still time to protect themselves and those around them.”