Latest news from Bolton Council including updates on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement from Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health, Bolton Council
Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health, Bolton Council has issued the following statement:
"Following the national coverage of recently revised COVID-19 guidance, we have met with national officials and confirmed there are no restrictions on travel in or out of Bolton. i.e. There is no local lockdown.
"In areas where the new COVID variant is spreading, we are all working together to boost testing, vaccinations and to support self-isolation.
"There are sensible public health precautions that people can take as individuals in line with the advice we have all been following throughout the pandemic.
"We will keep sharing that and working with national officials to make sure people understand what they need to think about as they go about their daily lives."
On-site testing as schools help COVID response
On-site COVID-19 testing has resumed at some secondary schools in Bolton, just one of many measures introduced as the community pulls together to fight rising infection rates.
COVID-19 Self-Isolation Support
Self-isolation is when you have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 and therefore must stay at home for at least 10 full days to prevent passing the virus on to others. You can pass the virus to others, even if you are showing no symptoms.
We know self-isolation is difficult for many, but please remember you are not alone. Support, advice, help or even just someone to chat to is available to you during this time.
The 10 Ways To Do Your 10 Days Checklist tells you everything you need to know to prepare for and get through your self-isolation period.
There’s also a useful COVID-19 Self-Isolation Support Pack to download.
Find out more about the checklist and support pack here.
FAQs: COVID testing
"Why is testing important?
"I've been vaccinated, do I still need to take a test?"
"What does PCR stand for?"
We answer your questions on COVID testing.
Enhanced testing and vaccine offer extended to Halliwell and Central Bolton
After the success of Bolton’s COVID response in other parts of the borough, enhanced testing and vaccination has now been rolled-out in Halliwell and Central Bolton.
Second dose vaccinations
The NHS are bringing forward the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 50 and over who haven’t had it yet.
You will be able to have your second dose 8 weeks after your first dose instead of 12 weeks.
With new variants of coronavirus circulating, it is important that people that are at greatest risk can get their second dose earlier.
For Bolton residents only, some hotline numbers have been set up for people to contact the NHS about their second dose appointment.
You can call on any of these numbers:
- 01204 462125
- 01204 462157
- 01204 462030
- 01204 462028
Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm only.
You can find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination on the NHS website.
Care home visiting rules eased but visitors need to be cautious
Bolton Council and its partners are urging people to act with extra caution, especially when visiting care home residents.
GP services
GP practices are running face-to-face appointments for all patients where there is a clinical need. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions over the phone or online with a member of the healthcare team to assess what would be most appropriate for you and which practice member would best provide it.
If you are asked to attend for an appointment, please remember to wear your face covering before entering your GP practice – unless you’re exempt. Staff will be wearing masks or visors, or they may be sitting behind a screen.
When your practice is closed you can call 111 or go to https://111.nhs.uk/ for help and advice.
Dental practices
Dental practices are open and able to offer patients face-to face care.
However, the level of service and number of available appointments have not yet returned to pre-COVID levels.
Practices are working to safely restore services and are committed to prioritising care for high risk patients, children and those who began a course of treatment pre-COVID, whilst maintaining capacity for unscheduled care.
Patients who require access to urgent care, patients at higher risk of oral disease, and patients with outstanding treatment needs that cannot be delayed, will all be prioritised for treatment.
Half term library activities
Bolton Museum is open and has a host of activities on over half term.
There’s also some 'magical fun' going on at Smithills Hall in June.
A spectacular new musical will have its world premiere in Bolton’s Albert Halls this summer Birdsong in Bedlam will open on August 8 starring Tony George Owens, soon to be seen on screen in the latest series of Peaky Blinders, which is currently being filmed — with shoots having taken place in Bolton.
The show tells the story of Eddie, who battles drink and drugs problems after his wife's death, before he is visited by the mysterious ‘Morana’. She leads him into a world of fantasy world, where he is confronted by the seven deadly sins.
‘Birdsong in Bedlam’ is the first large scale professional musical to be entirely produced by Arkeron Productions.
Tickets on sale at www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls or telephone: 0343 208 0500
National Volunteers Week, June 1-7 2021
Bolton CVS are celebrating Volunteers Week on Thursday June 3. This year, the theme is saying thank you to volunteers who have given amazing support to their local community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bolton CVS would like to invite you to be part of Volunteers Week, if you are a voluntary organisation or you have been volunteering in the past 12 months and would like to share your experience and inspire others to start their volunteering journey, why not send us a short video (up to 2 minutes) or a small paragraph with a photo telling us:
- What volunteering work are you or your organisation involved in?
- How have you or your organisation made a difference to others?
- How has Bolton CVS supported you or your organisation with volunteering?
- What impact/benefit has volunteering made on you or your organisation?
If you could send your short story or video by Friday May 27, by e-mailing info@boltoncvs.org.uk.
Don't forget to join us with your friends and family to our event on Thursday June 3, 6pm – 7.30pm. Register now.
Horwich flooding: Council launches investigation
Bolton Council is investigating the circumstances which led to flooding in Horwich earlier this month after the area was hit by heavy rainfall.
Officers were called to the scene on Sunday, May 16 as flooding damaged properties, blocked roads and forced schools to close.
Public asked for views on Bolton College of Medical Sciences
People in Bolton are being urged to have their say on the proposed Bolton College of Medical Sciences (BCMS) based at the Royal Bolton Hospital as part of a community consultation.