Bolton's enhanced Covid-19 testing programme is being rolled out to even more areas this weekend.
For the past few weeks, Deane, Rumworth, Great Lever, Halliwell, Central Bolton, Farnworth, and Plodder Lane have all been targeted in a bid to combat rising infection rates.
From tomorrow (June 4) there will be a leafleting campaign and door-to-door testing in the area surrounding Seven Acres Country Park.
The park is situated between Breightmet and Tonge, and on-site testing will also be available from the Thicketford Road car park on Saturday (June 5), as well as the Castle Hill Centre, in Castleton Street.
Home test kits can also be collected and returned at the following sites:
- Taylor’s Theatre Academy, Ainsworth Lane, BL2 2QJ
- The Wildlife Trust, Bury Road, BL2 6DH
- St James' Church, Roscow Avenue, BL2 6HU
Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, said: "Enhanced testing is a key part of our continued response to the recent increase in Covid rates.
"I want to thank the communities we have visited so far for being so welcoming and for engaging with the testing programme.
"We are seeing encouraging numbers in terms of people getting tested and taking the vaccine but we are not out of the woods yet.
"Please get tested, take up the vaccine when offered and continue to follow the basic hands, face, space steps that keep us all safe."
There will also continue to be a vaccine push in the borough, with walk-in centres offering first and second doses:
- Eden Boys' School are offering first and second doses of Pfizer and Astra Zeneca to anyone in Bolton, up to and including Sunday (June 6).
- 3D Centre in Bella Street and Tonge Moor Health Centre in Thicketford Road are offering first doses of Pfizer on Saturday and Sunday.
- The Vaccination Bus will be at Asda Farnworth, Brackley Street from tomorrow to Sunday for first doses of Pfizer
- Lever Chambers, in Ashburner Street, is offering second doses of Astra Zeneca without an appointment over the weekend.
Dr Helen Wall, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in Bolton, said: "We are opening up new vaccination services all the time in response to the variant of concern, and I would urge everyone in Bolton to take advantage of this offer to go down to their nearest site to get their vaccine.
"Any pop-up site will accept anyone who lives, works or studies in Bolton.
"Some sites are also offering second doses and we have phone lines available to help people find the best option for booking their second dose.
"The energy and commitment to continue fighting for Bolton people is as strong as ever and we are all working together to get the job done. Please follow Bolton CCG’s social media channels for updates."
Residents with COVID symptoms should book a test as normal via the national online portal.
Anyone who tests positive during enhanced testing must self-isolate along with members of their household to protect others.
Anyone struggling with self-isolation can contact Bolton Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 01204 337221.
