BOLTON Council has confirmed additional COVID-19 measures for Bolton, as it fights to stop the spread of the virus in the community.

The extra precautions are aimed at reducing the infection rate which has recently risen to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week - the highest in England.

The largest group affected are those between 18 and 49 years old, who account for more than 90% of the cases.

The measures include:

-Only using public transport for essential purposes, which means travel to education, work, and essential appointments only eg. hospital appointments

- Not mixing with other households in any setting indoors or outdoors anywhere. This does not apply in your support bubble.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh and Tony Oakman, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, said:

“It has been a tough period for individuals, families and businesses but we don’t want to throw away all our hard work by allowing the infection rate to rise even higher.

“Now, more than ever, we need everyone in Bolton to play their part.

“Nobody wants these restrictions to remain a moment longer than necessary and we believe these new measures will keep everyone safe and help avoid a full lockdown in Bolton.

“Since the start of this pandemic, the people of Bolton have worked incredibly hard to combat this pandemic. Alongside a range of additional measures and interventions across Bolton we are asking everyone, particularly the younger age groups, to continue to follow the guidelines.”

Dr Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health for Bolton Council, said that everyone has a part to play as the borough fights to stop the virus spreading further:

“This is a crucial stage in our response to the coronavirus and what we will do now will significantly impact how quickly we can reduce the rate to as low a level as possible.

“We are carrying out extra testing including giving out home testing kits, and are carrying out extra site visits to support businesses to be Covid secure, and carrying out enforcement where necessary.

“Evidence from Oldham and Blackburn shows stopping households mixing works.

“For this to work, we all need to play our part to protect our vulnerable friends and relatives.

“As well as these additional measures, please remember the importance of washing hands, maintaining distance, wearing a face covering and getting a test if you have symptoms.”

Symptoms of Coronavirus include, a high temperature, new continuous cough and a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell.

If you develop symptoms your household contacts will also be required to self-isolate. Further information about self-isolation is available on the NHS website.

If you have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, you will need to complete your 14-day isolation period even if you test negative. There is detailed guidance on the NHS website.