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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Seamus McDonnell

Survey: Tell us what you think should be done about the Indian variant

Bolton's coronavirus infection rates are the highest in the country and are thought to have been driven up by a new variant of Covid-19.

The B.1.617.2 strain of the virus, often called the Indian variant because of where it was first located, is believed to be more transmissible than previous versions of the virus, the Prime Minister has said.

Boris Johnson has said the new variant is likely to be behind rises in Bolton and the government has not ruled out further local lockdowns in Greater Manchester to stop it from spreading.

Surge testing is currently taking place in the areas of the town where the most B.1.617.2 cases have been found but some leaders have asked for more resources to tackle the problem.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Bolton North East MP Mark Logan and Bolton council leader David Greenhalgh have all called on the government to support a mass vaccination programme for all over 18s.

While local health teams have worked hard to vaccinate as many people as possible within the current rules, they are yet to receive official support for a large scale programme.

Indoor hospitality venues, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, all reopened in Bolton from Monday, in line with the rest of the country.

Previously, these businesses have been targeted with extra lockdown restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.

Schools have also been closed in previous lockdowns but pupils are now allowed to attend without wearing masks.

Do you think there should be further restrictions to stop the spread of the Indian variant?

Fill in our survey HERE, or below to let us know.

The latest figures show Covid cases in other parts of Greater Manchester are also beginning to increase.

Oldham is the only borough in the region with an infection rate below the English average.

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