The government has confirmed that additional COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place in Bolton following a request from council leaders.
The decision comes after a sudden and unpredictable rise in cases saw the local infection rate jump to 66.6 per 100,000, making Bolton an area of concern within the UK.
Additional restrictions were due to come to an end in Bolton today (September 2nd), a decision taken at a time when local cases were low and falling steadily.
The government has now agreed that these restrictions should remain, meaning residents should not meet indoors, or a private garden, with anyone they do not live with.
Certain businesses must also remain closed and must not offer close-contact services.
New COVID-19 cases are spread across the borough and are not limited to a single neighbourhood, community, or workplace.
The majority of new cases are among those aged 18-49.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said:
“Myself and colleagues realise than many people will be extremely frustrated and annoyed by this decision, but it would have been irresponsible not to recognise the unpredicted spike we have seen in Bolton, which has seen the borough record the second highest increase in positive cases in the country.
“I am pleased that we had consensus from all party leaders in Bolton who supported that restrictions should not be eased with this sudden rise in cases.
“As a council, we have a duty to protect residents, and the health and wellbeing of the people of Bolton will always be our number one priority.
“We have always been led by the data in our response to the coronavirus. With this in mind, we had no choice but to alert government to the alarming sudden rise in cases.
“We are collaborating closely with the government to address the rising number of cases and working hard to communicate these latest changes to households and businesses across Bolton.
“You will have heard me say many times that we can all play our part to stop this virus from spreading.
“Now more than ever, that is the case. Continue to follow the additional restrictions and keep Bolton safe.”
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Avoid crowded places
- Wear a face covering when required
- Keep 2 meters distance from others
- Wash hands with soap and water – often and for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay at home if you have symptoms – and get a test