Daily update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Prime Minister has announced a number of strict measures requiring people to stay at home except for a small number of exceptions.
Please continue to follow the guidance on social distancing, self-isolation and hand washing.
1. Update about council services
Due to the nature and scale of the situation, we are making decisions on a daily basis as things evolve.
We are doing this through our Corporate Leadership Team, which is supported by our Incident Management Team and the Health Emergency and Resilience Group.
Decisions are being taken to ensure the safety of our staff and our residents.
A summary of affected services is now available on the council website.
Burials
The loss of a loved one is a tragic and emotional experience for all families.
The council’s priority is to provide as smooth and respectful a service as possible given the difficult and unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.
During this time we are working hard to make sure that funeral services can be accommodated in the most respectful way but whilst also meeting the steps that we need to put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
These new measures are being brought in to protect life, and they are:
- If you are symptomatic of coronavirus, are in self-isolation or family-isolation then please remain at home
- We will encourage videoing of all services to enable loved ones who are unable to attend the service in person to have a record of the service, and feel a part of the proceedings
- Services, including time spent at a graveside, will be limited to thirty minutes
- A maximum of ten mourners will be able to be present in the chapel or at the graveside
Our aim is for mourners to experience as normal a service as possible, given the restraints we find ourselves in.
Where burial is normally expected to happen within 24 hours of death because of a faith, this will still be possible at this current time.
We are working with leaders of all religious denominations and faiths across Bolton to support the advice and guidance in line with Public Health England.
Relatives should be assured that national guidance exists about the handling of the deceased particularly if they passed away from coronavirus (COVID-19) and should speak to their funeral director or religious representative.
We understand that some of these changes may cause concern, but please be assured we are trying our best in difficult circumstances, to give families a respectful personal funeral and a chance for family to mourn, while following expert advice and guidance, and at the same time protecting residents from further spread of the virus.
Direct payments
If people pay for their own care and support (to meet agreed eligible needs such as employing staff or pay an agency to provide the support) rather than receive services directly from the council, they do so by ‘Direct Payments’.
The council is writing to all recipients of Direct Payments to reassure them of the measures that they need to consider to protect themselves and their personal assistants.
Many of them will have Personal Assistants coming into their homes.
Included within this letter, it tells them about they can expect from their Personal Assistants, and also a reminder about the best way to protect those around with good hygiene and handwashing.
It also tells them what the symptoms they should be looking out for, and what to do if they or someone who lives with them displays any symptoms of coronavirus.
Support for rough sleepers
Our housing team is working hard to ensure all rough sleepers in Bolton are being supported to ensure they have a place to stay during the coronavirus crisis.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, recently announced a £5m fund to help house rough sleepers across the region.
Bolton Market
Stalls selling food are open as normal until further notice.
Customers are being reminded to observe social distancing guidance via signs and public announcements every 15 minutes.
2. Bolton’s Humanitarian Response
Support for residents who are ‘shielding’
The council has set up an emergency contact number for the extremely vulnerable people who have been told stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact (shielding), during the current situation.
This group includes organ transplant recipients, those undergoing immunotherapy and people with specific conditions (see the full list). If you are in this group, you will receive a letter from the government with further instructions.
Contact 01204 337 221, if you, or someone you care for, have received a letter from the government and require support.
The number will be open 8.30am – 5.30pm Mon – Fri and Sat 9am – 1.30pm.
We will talk to you about your most urgent needs such as food, medicine or other requirements.
Alternatively, tell us about any help you need using the online form and we'll arrange for someone to call you back within 24 hours.
The Bolton Response Hub will then get those items to you or respond with other services. The hub is manned by staff from the council and our partners, plus volunteers.
If your charity or volunteer group would like to help with the coronavirus response, please contact Bolton CVS at info@boltoncvs.org.uk or 01204 546 055.
If you are not in one of these extremely vulnerable groups and have concerns please see www.bolton.gov.uk for the help available or ring 01204 333 333.
3. Business Support
Manufacture of hand sanitiser and PPE - can your business help?
Due to a UK-wide shortage of hand sanitiser and personal protection equipment (PPE) for frontline staff, Greater Manchester manufacturers are asked to check if they could help in the production of additional supplies.
The Government has issued guidance for businesses (including gin distilleries) on switching to production of hand sanitiser. Some restrictions on existing hand sanitiser manufacturers and suppliers of denatured alcohol or duty-free spirit have also been relaxed.
Similar guidance has been issued for manufactures who may be able to assist with items such as face masks and gloves. Please read the guidelines carefully to ensure your products comply with the necessary standards.
Businesses are urged to read the Government guidelines carefully, then follow the necessary steps to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Bolton has the latest advice and guidance for local businesses
4. Community Support
How you can help?
Urgent Response Volunteers
Bolton CVS is developing a list of people who are able and willing to help and support various services and activities during the time of the Coronavirus.
If you would like to register please complete a form here.
You do not need to be a current volunteer and you may not be called upon. If you have any questions, please email lauren@boltoncvs.org.uk.
Read our Being a Good Neighbour tips for the best ways you can offer help in your community.
Further information can be found on the Bolton CVS website.
5. Update from our partners
Household waste and recycling centres
A reminder that the household waste and recycling centres are closed to the public.
Recycle for Greater Manchester is prioritising operating the sites in a safe manner so that council waste vehicles can continue to dispose of your rubbish from household collections.
Please hold on to bulky items until the sites re-open. Do not put any electrical items in any of your bins at home. Where possible people should compost grass cuttings and hedge trimmings and if you can’t do that keep your garden waste until we reopen.
Please do not leave any waste outside the recycling centres – leaving waste outside the recycling centres or anywhere else is classed as fly tipping and is a criminal offence for which people will be prosecuted.
Transport for Greater Manchester
Transport for Greater Manchester has thanked people for not travelling unless it is essential.
Public transport must only be used for trips that are absolutely necessary for work, to get supplies, to care for others or for medical reasons.
Train, tram and bus services have been reduced to make sure they can be maintained for essential workers and to protect frontline staff. All Travelshops, excluding Eccles and Altrincham, have now closed until further notice.
If you must travel, wash your hands before and after using public transport, use a tissue if you cough or sneeze, and use contactless payments if possible. When using public transport please follow social distancing guidelines and keep two metres from your fellow passengers.
Please check tfgm.com/coronavirus or operator timetables before travelling.
Further changes to transport services are likely next week. If you have any questions or would like further information, please visit tfgm.com/coronavirus or call the TfGM Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000.
Donations
Bolton Council in partnership with Urban Outreach, and other key partners, have created a Response Hub.
They need a large amount of particular types of food and other items for individuals and families in Bolton.
If you have excess items e.g. tinned foods, toiletries, toilet rolls, etc you can donate to your local foodbank.
Please do not bulk purchase even if you intend to donate the goods.
Please drop off at Unit 4 Trinity Retail Park Springfield, Bradford Street, BL2 1HY (former Staples Store). Call the office on 01204 385848 or visit their website.