People in Bolton are the latest to be hit with fresh coronavirus restrictions following a spike in cases in the town.
Bolton Council, which introduced the new measures on Saturday evening, have said the aim is to prevent the need for tighter lockdown measures as other parts of the region prepared to relax rules – as the infection rate in the town soared to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week.
Local authorities said those aged between 18 and 49 account for more than 90% of the cases.
Just where is Bolton and what are the new lockdown measures?
Where is Bolton?
Bolton is located in Greater Manchester, around 10 miles away from the city itself.
It is close to the West Pennine Moors, and surrounded by a number of towns and villages that for the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton.
The population of Bolton is just under 140,000 – while just under a quarter of a million people live in the borough.
Is Bolton back in lockdown?
Residents in Bolton have been asked not to mix with other households following the rise in Covid cases, and to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as going to work or for hospital appointments.
However, non-essential retail and other businesses currently remain open.
In a joint statement, Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh and chief executive Tony Oakman 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.’
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