Statement from Bolton Council's Director of Public Health
The latest figures released for Bolton show the 7 day rate of positive COVID-19 tests per 100,000 have increased from 17.0 (week ending 25/07/20) to 20.9 (week ending 01/08/20).
Dr Helen Lowey said: “We are disappointed that figures are rising for the borough, but we have increased the amount of testing that is taking place, so we would expect the number of cases to rise.
“We continue to monitor the situation and to work with our residents and businesses. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has not gone away and we are still in the middle of a global pandemic.
“We must continue to stick to the new rules introduced for Bolton and other parts of the north of England.
“Residents should not meet people they do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where they have formed a support bubble.
“They shouldn’t socialise with people they do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. They shouldn’t visit friends or family in care homes.
“We must continue to wash our hands regularly and keep two metres apart from each other. If two metres is proving difficult we must wear a face covering if you can.
“And if you start to experience symptoms of COVID-19 then you need to self-isolate immediately and arrange a test as soon as possible.
“The announcement last week will have been a cause for worry for many and it’s a reminder that we must continue to exercise a great deal of caution.
“We continue to monitor the local picture closely along with our partners in health and social care and Public Health England.”