Additional COVID-19 restrictions in Bolton will be lifted on Wednesday 2 September.
The government made the announcement today following calls by Bolton Council leaders.
The extra restrictions were introduced last month across parts of the north of England to combat a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.
While the restrictions remain in place across much of Greater Manchester, they will be lifted in Bolton due to a significant fall in the number of cases locally.
However, the borough is still an area of enhanced support which means the area will benefit from additional testing, locally led contact tracing and targeted community engagement.
The decision means that from Wednesday 2 September people who do not live together can meet indoors or a private garden, while maintaining social distance.
• You can socialise in groups of up to two households indoors (while keeping social distance)
• You can stay overnight at somebody else’s home (but keep social distance)
• Close contact services such as facial treatments can resume
• Bowling alleys, roller rinks, soft play centres and casinos can reopen
Councillor David Greenhalgh, Leader of Bolton Council, welcomed the government announcement:
“I am delighted that Government has listened to our case to have restrictions eased in Bolton. Our data supports it, and when you have different emerging pictures developing within Greater Manchester, it is simply not viable to adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
“We now have geographical neighbours in Wigan, Chorley, and North Turton all with restrictions eased, and these are the first steps towards a degree of normality, which I genuinely believe the majority of residents want to see.
“However, it does not mean the virus has gone away. We still need to be careful.
“Keep social distance from people you don’t live with, wash your hands, wear a face mask when you have to, and get a test and self-isolate if you have symptoms.
“We need to stop the virus passing from one person to another and these simple steps will help keep us all safe.”
Anyone with the following symptoms, should immediately self-isolate and get a test as soon as possible:
• A high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)
• A new, continuous cough
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you are struggling, please contact 01204 337221 (8.30am to 5.30pm Mon – Fri and Sat 9am to 1.30pm).