Bolton residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue to be cautious ahead of the latest phase in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
The next stage of the roadmap is Monday, May 17:
- Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted for gatherings of up to 30 people
- Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen
- Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply.
- Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen
- Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower)
- In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower)
- Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include christenings
Whilst the easing of restrictions will be welcomed by residents and businesses alike, Bolton’s COVID infection rate is on the rise and communities are being advised to remain cautious.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “Yes, our rates of the Indian Variant are going up, but while hospitalisations remain low and all evidence points to the effectiveness of the vaccine , the administration’s message to Government is ‘do not lock us down. Do not take us out of the road map.
“The majority of our cases are in their teens, 20s and 30s. Send us more vaccinations and allow us to vaccinate 18years+ now, that is the answer, not further restrictions.
“We have been here before. All that will happen is people will travel outside the borough, sometimes 50 yards up the road across a boundary to access hospitality. It does not work. And our hospitality is left struggling again, and on its knees.
“More targeted vaccines please and allow us to re-open.”
With a substantial increase in the COVID infection rate in parts of Bolton a multi-phased response has been rolled out initially targeting the areas of Deane, Rumworth and Great Lever.
Anyone living, working or studying in these areas is urged to get a PCR test as soon as possible to find people who may be spreading the virus without realising it and to improve understanding of any new variant of COVID-19.
PCR are tests can be accessed:
- At one of the mobile testing unites at Memory Lane Wedding Venue, Gilnow Lane (BL3 5EL), Heywood Park, 12 Heywood Gardens (BL3 6RB) or Makkah Mosque, Grecian Crescent (BL3 6QU)
- Collect and return PCR home test kit at Deane Road Temple (Shree Swaminarayan Mandir)
Teams will be out in the community this weekend, knocking on doors, speaking to residents and businesses and distributing home test kits.
They will also be encouraging anyone in these areas who is eligible for a vaccine to have one as soon as possible.
Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health at Bolton Council said “With the current Covid rates in Bolton, we are asking people to be cautious as the road map moves forward and get a test even if they don’t have symptoms from one of our mobile testing units.
“If you test positive you and you household must isolate as this will help stop the spread of the virus.
“If you are isolating ask family and friends for help or call our helpline on 01204 337221 for assistance with essentials like food and medication, or financial support.”