Update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
No additional restrictions for Bolton
The government has updated and clarified the rules for Bolton. The government announcement for other parts of the North West is separate to the measures applied to Bolton.
If you live in the borough, you must not:
- host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble
- meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of Bolton, unless they’re in your support bubble
In addition to these restrictions, people must not meet in a group of more than six outdoors and they advise that residents should not:
- socialise with people you do not live with, unless they’re in your support bubble, in any public venue. This applies to inside and outside of Bolton. Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions
- visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances
The NHS COVID-19 App
The NHS COVID-19 App is a new tool designed to reduce the threat of coronavirus to our health, whilst helping to keep the doors of businesses open.
Launching on 24 September, the app will simplify the Test and Trace process by enabling the public to automatically ‘check into’ a venue. They will then get alerted if they have recently visited a venue where they have come into contact with someone with coronavirus. It is also a legal requirement for certain businesses to display a QR code poster so that customers can check in safely and securely.
The tool is quickly set up by completing an online form, printing and displaying a QR code poster and requesting that all visitors scan this on arrival at your premises.
It is the law for business owners to prepare for the launch by following these steps:
- Create a QR code for your venue online https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
- Print and display the poster by the entrance(s) to your premises
- Encourage visitors to scan the poster on arrival to your venue
- Provide an alternative process to collect data for individuals without a smartphone or access to the app.
The following sectors are legally obliged to maintain a log of their customers and visitors and will need to display the QR poster and use the app:
This applies to:
- Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality settings open to the general public – currently closed under the Bolton Regulations or providing takeaway service. They will need to use the app once they are allowed to re-open.
- Tourism and leisure venues including hotels, museums, leisure centres, gyms, cinemas etc.
- Close contact services including hairdressers, barbers, tailors, beauty salons etc. Some close contact services are advised to remain closed in Bolton.
- Facilities provided by council, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres.
- Places of worship, including use for events and other community activities.
Council leader pushes government to back Bolton businesses
The Leader of Bolton Council has issued a statement of support to local businesses who have had to close due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Strict new measures were introduced borough-wide by the government on September 8 due to the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise.
Since then, hospitality venues have been restricted to takeaway only and those offering takeaway services must close from 10pm to 5am.
The treasury announced on September 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.
The local authority will share information on the new grants and application process once the government confirms details.
New package to support and enforce self-isolation
The government as announced that it will become law from 28 September for people to self-isolate if they have to.
People on low incomes will be able to receive a payment off £500.
New exemption to allow for “consistent childcare”
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, has announced a new exemption to local restrictions to allow families to access “consistent childcare”.
Residents in Bolton must not meet indoors, or a private garden, with people they do not live with.
However, the new rule means people looking after children under the age of 14, or vulnerable adults, will be exempt from the ban when it is necessary for caring purposes.
This will cover formal and informal arrangements for childcare - but not playdates or parties.
Full details of the new guidelines are expected shortly.
Testing FAQs
The last few days has seen a lot of focus on the borough because of the high rate of infection and the continued lack of capacity.
We are strongly pushing back to the government to make sure that the borough is prioritised for tests and will be raising the matter again when we meet them this week.
We have produced FAQS on our website to answer any questions.
You should only apply for a test if you have symptoms.
For the latest updates
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