Published: Friday, 3rd Dec 2021

Targeted testing will take place at Heathfield Primary School as a precaution, following a highly probable case of the Omicron Variant.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, Bolton Council is undertaking targeted case findings at the school and offering the local community all the guidance and support they need.

As with other cases identified in England, positive cases in Bolton are self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

Dr Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health for Bolton said: “We want to understand if the new variant is spreading and put measures in place to stop it.

“Thorough contact tracing has already taken place to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the suspected cases.

“It is important to break the chain of transmission as quickly as possible, which is why we are carrying out targeted testing.

“The quickest way of doing this is for individuals who test positive to self-isolate immediately.

“Even if you are feeling well, I would urge everyone to play their part to keep our community safe.

“If you are contacted, please follow the instructions on testing you are given as soon as possible.

“Meanwhile, it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, ventilate rooms, use the NHS COVID-19 app, get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can.”