Daily update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Accurate as of 1pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
The Prime Minister has announced a number of strict measures requiring people to stay at home except for a small number of exceptions.
Please continue to follow the guidance on social distancing, self-isolation and hand washing.
If you have been told to stay at home at all times to avoid any face-to-face contact (shielding), and have no friends or family who can support you please call us on 01204 337221.
Update about council services
A summary our affected services is available on the council website.
- Bolton Market
Bolton Market Traders are now offering a home delivery or order and collect service.
The market food hall is also still open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with social distancing measures being observed.
- At Home with Bolton Library and Museum Services
A range of services are available for you at home from borrowing e-books and magazines tohelp with home schooling and homework.
Bolton’s Humanitarian Response
- Response Hub number for residents who are ‘shielding
The council has set up an emergency contact number 01204 337 221, for extremely vulnerable people, who have been told to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact (shielding), and who have no family or friends to support.
More details here
Community Support
- National voucher scheme if you receive free school meals
The Government has issued updated guidance on free schools meals. A national voucher scheme has been set up for those schools that cannot provide pupils with meals or food parcels
- Easy to read guides
Public Health England have put together an easy-read guide to looking after your mind and body during this difficult time.
Similar guides are available for social distancing and staying at home.
If you, or someone you care for, needs help to understand the new measures – then take a look at these clear and simple summaries.
- Coronavirus advice in other languages
If you require guidance in another language, independent humanitarian movement Doctors of the World has produced advice in 35 different languages, look here.
- New employment service
A new service, Employ GM, has been launched to help people get back into work across Greater Manchester. Find out more here.
- Beware of Covid-19 scams
Residents are being warned to be aware of scams connected to the coronavirus.
These scams could take many forms - online, doorstep, refund, telephone, donation, counterfeit scams, and free school meals e-mail scam.
For advice on scams call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Business Support
- Help with business rates
Businesses entitled to Expanded Retail Discount and Nursery Discount have now been notified about their award.
Businesses entitled to a payment from the Small Business Grant Fund or a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant – forms you need to complete are available here.
Please fill the form in as this will help the council to get the information it needs to process payments.
- Keeping Greater Manchester working
If you are an employer with an urgent temporary vacancy that needs filling, Employ GM can help you. More information here.
Employers will have to be complying with Public Health England guidelines, and making appropriate personal hygiene facilities available to employees.
Our Partners' Update
- The Hub
The former Staples store has been turned into a hub for the coronavirus crisis.
Bolton Council is leading on a partnership arrangement with Urban Outreach, and other partners to put together food parcels, at the hub, for those who are in need.
If you have excess items e.g. tinned foods, toiletries, toilet rolls, you can drop off the items at Unit 4 Trinity Retail Park, Bradford Street, BL2 1HY (former Staples Store) but please do not bulk purchase even if you intend to donate the goods.
- Royal Bolton Hospital
Donations: The hospital has been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of businesses and members of the public, donating everything from hot meals to fresh vegetables and flowers.
Whilst staff are incredibly grateful for the kindness of the Bolton community, the Trust has to consider the consequences of people arriving on site when it isn’t absolutely necessary.
Anyone considering a donation is asked to contact wellnessmatters@boltonft.nhs.uk in the first instance.
The Chaplaincy Team: at Royal Bolton Hospital are not able to do bed to bed visiting at the current time. If church leaders know that a member of their congregation is in hospital, please contact the team directly and they can arrange to visit.
The team is providing a limited service, but still endeavour to be available 24 hours a day. Please email Neville.markham@boltonft.nhs.uk or Catherine.binns@boltonft.nhs.uk.
- Transport for Greater Manchester
Transport services have been significantly impacted by Covid–19.
Transport for Greater Manchester has been working with operators to maintain core parts of the network and keep services running for those who need to make essential journeys.
Services across all forms of public transport are running at a reduced rate, please check timetables before essential travel.
Since 20 March, peak time restrictions on concessionary tram and bus passes have been lifted to make it easier for older citizens and disabled people, and those caring for them, to make essential trips.
- Other Partners
Follow Bolton at Home and Bolton CVS for their latest updates on the coronavirus situation.