COVID response: Enhanced testing extends to more areas

Enhanced testing will be rolled out to Seven Acres and the surrounding area this weekend as the borough continues into the next phase of its COVID-19 response.

For the past few weeks, enhanced testing and vaccination has been taking place across key areas in Bolton to combat rising infection rates.

Deane, Rumworth, Great Lever, Halliwell, Central Bolton, Farnworth and Plodder Lane have all taken part in successful enhanced testing programmes.   

Building on this, a leafleting campaign and the door-to-door distribution of test kits will be rolled out in Seven Acres and the surrounding areas from Friday, June 4.

This will continue over the weekend with teams from the council, volunteer groups, the national Surge Rapid Response Team and the army returning later the same day to collect completed tests.

Alternatively, residents can get on-site testing from Saturday, June 5: 

  • Seven Acres Car Park, 125 Thicketford Tonge Fold BL2 2LU
  • Castle Hill Centre, Castleton Street , Bolton BL2 2JW

Home test kits can also be collected and returned at these sites as well as:

  • Taylor’s Theatre Academy (BL2 2QJ)
  • The Wildlife Trust (BL2 6DH)
  • St James' Church, Roscow Avenue, Breightmet BL2 6HU

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 and may also be eligible for financial support.

Residents with COVID symptoms should book a test as normal via the national online portal.

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.”

Vaccination

Alongside testing there will be a continued vaccine push, focusing on those who are eligible but have not yet had their first dose of the jab, and reminding residents of the importance of having a second dose.

Walk-in vaccination services continue this weekend at Eden Boys’ School for first and second doses (Pfizer and Astra Zeneca) for anyone in Bolton, up to and including Sunday, June 6.

First doses only will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the 3D Centre, Bella Street and Tonge Moor Health Centre, Thicketford Road (both Pfizer).

The Vaccination Bus will also be at Asda Farnworth, Brackley Street from Friday, June 4 to Sunday, June 6 for first doses of Pfizer.

Lever Chambers, Ashburner Street, is offering second doses of Astra Zeneca without an appointment over the weekend.

More sites will be announced soon.  Follow NHS Bolton CCG social channels for updates.

For help with second doses, call 01204 462125, 462157, 462030, 462028. Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and are for Bolton residents only.

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.”

Published: 3rd June 2021