How Bolton is responding to high COVID rates and what we can ALL do to help

Friday, 11th Jun 2021

Updates on the response to high COVID rates in Bolton.

The recent substantial rise in Bolton’s infection rate is a stark reminder that COVID-19 has not gone away.

Enhanced testing and a vaccination drive were among the measures rolled out in the most affected areas.

Testing, vaccination and self-isolation remain essential to our ongoing response to the virus. 

1. Testing

We want to thank everyone who helped make the door-to-door enhanced testing programme a success.

Regular testing using home lateral flow device tests (LFD) remains vital to keeping our COVID-19 rates down.

FAQs: "What's the difference between a PCR and and LFD test?"

Many people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but still risk passing the virus on to others.

If everyone in Bolton takes two LFD tests at home every week, we can help catch asymptomatic cases before the virus has a chance to spread.

LFD testing sites are also available at:

  • Victoria Halls, Knowsley Street, BL1 2AS (Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm)
  • Bolton Arena BL6 6LB (Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm).

No booking is required and home LFD kits can also be collected from these sites.

2. Support to self-isolate

Anyone who has a positive LFD test must self-isolate and a book a confirmatory PCR test via the national portal.

Anyone struggling with self-isolation can contact Bolton Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 01204 337221 and may also be eligible for financial support.

For more information on self-isolation, check out the 10 Ways To Do Your 10 Days checklist.

3. Vaccination

If you are eligible, you should have the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.  

You will be eligible for a vaccine if you:

  • Are aged 25 or over (or will turn 30 before July 1)
  • a carer
  • are shielding
  • have a long term health condition

Full eligibility criteria is available on the NHS website.

If you are not sure if you meet the criteria, individuals are encouraged to visit their nearest vaccine site and have a conversation with the staff.

Keep an eye on the Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group’s news pages and social media channels for the latest updates on the vaccination programme. 

4. Engaging with the community

Teams have already gone door-to-door in the Halliwell, Central Bolton, Rumworth, Deane, Great Lever, Farnworth, Seven Acres and Plodder Lane areas delivering information leaflets, urging residents to get vaccinated, asking them to take regular tests and explaining the importance of self-isolation in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Translated materials and interpreters are have also been used to share vital messages with everyone in the community.

5. Actions for Individuals

There are simple steps EVERY Bolton resident can take to keep themselves and others safe:

  • Basic steps are our most powerful defence against the virus. Remember to;
    • Wash your hands regularly
    • wear a face covering
    • maintain social distance and let fresh air in
  • We are now at Step 3 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown:
  • Take regular (twice weekly) rapid flow tests - if you test positive you should self-isolate and book a confirmatory via the national portal
  • If you have symptoms, self-isolate immediately and book a COVID test via the national portal
  • Accept the vaccine when offered

6. Actions for businesses

Businesses should keep doing their bit and continue making every reasonable effort to help their employees work from home.

If homeworking is not possible, employers should make sure their workplace is COVID-secure.

Businesses should continue to: