The latest Covid hotspots in Bolton have been revealed.
According to the latest figures from Public Health England, Tonge, Hall I'Th’ Wood, Astley Bridge and Little Lever have the highest rates in the borough.
Tonge recorded 55 positive cases in the week ending June 12, a rise of 18 cases compared to the week before.
There were 36 cases recorded in Hall I'Th’ Wood in the same week, an increase of 8 compared to the previous seven days.
In Astley Bridge and Waters Meeting, there were 36 cases recorded in the week ending June 12, an increase of one compared to the previous week.
In Little Lever, there were 47 positive tests in that week, down by two cases compared to the week before.
When publishing data about Covid infections, Public Health England divides towns into Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs).
These are small areas with populations of around 7,000 people.
They are used to give a more precise picture of infections in certain places.
In Farnworth South, 32 cases were recorded in the week ending June 12, an increase of 12 compared with the week before.
In Eagley and Sharples, there were 32 cases recorded in one week, up by six compared to the week before.
In Dunscar and Egerton, there were 22 cases recorded in the week ending June 12, up by nine compared with the week before.
In Doffcocker and Moss Bank, there were 28 cases recorded in the week ending June 12, an increase of 10 compared with the previous week.
In Daubhill and Fernhill Gate, there were 17 cases recorded in one week, an increase of five.
In Blackrod and Butterwick Fields, there were 18 cases recorded in the week ending June 12, up by 10 compared to the week before.
In Heaton and Deane, there were 17 cases recorded in the week ending June 12, an increase of eight compared to the week before.
One of the UK’s leading public health experts has urged people in the borough to keep up their efforts in combating the virus by taking two home tests a week.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of UK Health Security Agency, visited Bolton last week to learn how the community responded to a recent spike in cases of the virus’ Delta variant.
She heard how community engagement, door-to-door visiting, increased vaccination, enhanced testing, contact tracing and supporting self-isolation have all been vital elements of the joint response.
Though the borough has now seen a decrease in the local infection rate, it is still among the areas with the highest number of cases.
Speaking after her visit to the Victoria Halls test site on Friday, Dr Jenny Harries said: “It was a real privilege to visit Bolton and see first-hand the excellent work they have been doing to drive down rates of the Delta variant and understand how Bolton’s experience may assist other areas across the country.
“I have been particularly impressed with how the town has come together – including Bolton Council, public health teams, schools, voluntary and NHS services and colleagues from the Army - to respond to the challenge.
“Crucially, local communities have responded incredibly well by coming forward in their thousands to be tested and vaccinated. It has been a hugely successful community effort.
“It’s really important that people continue with this mammoth effort by getting into the habit of taking tests twice a week.
“Free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are available to everyone living or working in Bolton.
“Regular testing helps us to identify asymptomatic cases and isolate them as soon as possible, preventing larger outbreaks and further spikes in COVID cases.
“Bolton’s rates remain high and everyone must continue to be extra cautious. It is especially important that people have their second vaccination to protect against the Delta variant.
“By continuing to be careful and by getting the vaccine when called we can help to keep our loved ones safe.
“Let’s not give up on our good work now – and remember to keep following hands, face, space, fresh air.”
Anyone who tests positive using an LFD should self-isolate straight away and book a follow-up PCR test via the national website.
PCR tests are similar to LFDs, except the results are analysed in a laboratory to confirm whether or not a person has the virus.
Anyone struggling with self-isolation can contact Bolton Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 01204 337221.
