Published: Thursday, 10th Sep 2020

Update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

New measures COVID bolton

New measures introduced for Bolton

The government has ordered a borough-wide introduction of strict new measures in Bolton as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

The move comes as the local infection rate reached 120 cases per 100,000, meaning Bolton has a higher rate than anywhere in the country.

Those aged 18-49 account for the majority of the cases.

To slow the spread of the virus, and protect the most vulnerable residents, the following additional restrictions are now in place:

  • All hospitality for food and drink (restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs) will be restricted to takeaway only
  • Late night restriction of operating hours meaning all venues, including takeaways, will be required to close between from 10pm to 5am
  • People from different households must not meet anywhere inside or outside, either in the borough or elsewhere

For further information about what these new restrictions mean, consult our FAQ page.

The restrictions will be under constant review with the government on an on-going basis. 

The national measures to be introduced on Monday 14 September, for England, about the rule of six do not apply in Bolton because of our higher infection rate. You must not meet with anyone outside of your household or social bubble.

Bolton is a priority area as testing capacity is expanded

Work is underway to expand COVID-19 testing capacity in Bolton, as part of a coordinated effort to reverse the recent rise in local cases.

Some residents have reported having difficulties booking a test via the national portal, but these issues are being resolved.

Bolton is a priority area and residents are urged to keep trying to book a test as new slots are coming available all the time.

Teams are also handing out free home test kits in key areas across the borough.

Testing is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19. Anyone with symptoms of the virus must immediately self-isolate and book at test.

Call 119, or book a test online, if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus. These include a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell.

Leader welcomes support for business and calls for more help for hospitality workers

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, has welcomed the latest government announcement of financial grants for businesses that have closed under the new restrictions.

However, he is urging the government to ensure Bolton’s hospitality sector will benefit to the same amount as under the previous furlough arrangements of 80 per cent.

The treasury announced yesterday (Sept 9) that businesses which have had to close will be able to claim £1,500 grant every three weeks and smaller firms can claim £1,000.

Cllr Greenhalgh said: “We want to do everything we can to protect local jobs and help Bolton businesses.”

Council welcomes fine for house party holidaymaker who failed to self-isolate

Bolton Council has welcomed a £1,000 fine imposed on a 23-year-old local man who failed to self-isolate after returning from a holiday in Ibiza.

The Bolton resident returned from his summer break on August 20 and should have quarantined for a two-week period under rules put in place to halt the spread of Covid-19.

Instead, he left his home on several occasions - visiting shops and coming into contact with people – and even held a house party attended by several friends.

World Suicide Prevention Day breaking down the taboo

Bolton is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September.

The authority is calling on people to notice the signs of people at risk and overcoming the taboo of talking to them about suicidal feelings and ways to get professional help.

Partner organisations across Bolton are asking for people to keep an eye for their family, friends and neighbours and check in on someone they may be concerned about, listen to what they say, how they say it and show them kindness and support and how to seek professional help when needed.

Covid-19 has had a global effect and also impacted communities across Bolton and it is particularly important at this time to focus on protecting both our mental as well as physical health.

For the latest updates

Bolton Council

Business Bolton

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

Bolton at Home

Bolton CVS

Greater Manchester Fire Service

Transport for Greater Manchester (Link no longer live).