As Muslims all over the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Bolton Council wishes its Muslim community a safe and peaceful period of celebration.
With rising Covid rates and variants of concern in Bolton, the council wants to remind communities that social gatherings are still restricted.
England remains at Step 2 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown meaning people should not meet indoors with anyone outside their household or bubble.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh said:
“Eid is a time for celebration, family and worship. I know how important this time of the year is for our Muslim community and I send my heartfelt best wishes. However, we’re still in the pandemic and local infection rates are rising, so it’s more important than ever to keep our communities safe.
“Therefore, we want to remind those celebrating that COVID rules remain in place. You should only be mixing indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble. We’re asking our Muslim community to celebrate safely at home with their own household.
“Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in Bolton.”
Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, said:
“We know it’s disappointing not to celebrate significant events in the ways we normally would, but with COVID infection rates rising in the borough, it’s vital we continue to follow the rules and do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering, maintain social distancing and keep areas well ventilated.
“Of course, the best ways to protect yourself, your family and our communities are to isolate if you are sick and to take up the vaccine when it is offered.
“I’d like to thank the Muslim community of Bolton for adhering to the Government and Public Health guidelines to date, especially during Ramadan. We wish our Muslim community a healthy and safe Eid.”
Dr Niruban Ratnarajah, Chairman of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“Eid Mubarak and thank you to all our Muslim communities who have observed Ramadan safely at this difficult time.
“As we enter the period of Eid celebrations, we would urge people not to lose sight of what we are trying to achieve in Bolton. We are so close to getting things back to normal, however, rising infection rates in the borough are a stark reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken up the vaccine so far in Bolton – this will help us to drive down the virus.
“But please remember that even if you have been vaccinated, it’s important to stick to the guidance to protect friends, family and others.”
In response to rising COVID rates, anyone who is living, working or studying in Rumworth, Deane or Great Lever who does not have Covid-19 symptoms is strongly urged to attend a mobile testing unit (MTU) this week in the following locations:
- Memory Lane Wedding Venue, Gilnow Lane (BL3 5EL)
- Makkah Mosque, Grecian Crescent (BL3 6QU)
Home PCR test kits will also be available for collection and return at:
- Deane Road Temple (Shree Swaminarayan Mandir), 161 Deane Road (BL3 5AH)
All test sites be open 7 days a week, 10am until 4pm. You do not need an appointment to attend.
For more information visit the testing page of the council website.
Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test as normal through the national portal and attend one of the regular PCR testing sites or, order a home test kit. Other than attending a testing site, they must self-isolate until they receive their test results.
Anyone with a positive test should isolate for 10 days from the day their symptoms started.
Anyone with a positive PCR test in the last 90 days does not need to attend an MTU.
Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate immediately and pass on their contacts’ details to NHS Test and Trace. Everyone in their household must isolate for 10 days even if they don’t have symptoms.
Testing and self-isolating where necessary, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space and following national guidance, will help stop the virus spreading.
Financial help and other support are available for those asked to self-isolate.