Organisations across the borough have pledged to continue operating during the coronavirus crisis.

Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton CVS have joined forces to ensure residents can be supported during the pandemic.

Their normal Bank Holiday operations have changed as part of that vow, to make sure people have the opportunity to visit and utilise their services.

The quartet have released a special message for the borough.

First of all, we’d like to thank you all for your continued patience, understanding and hard work during these unprecedented times.

We know it has been a challenge, and for many of you it has been extremely difficult. The hardest thing you’ve had to deal with.

But we want to take this opportunity to reassure you that even though you might feel like it is an uphill struggle at times and that you are on your own – you are not.

It has been six weeks since the government announced lockdown measures for the UK and as we approach another Bank Holiday weekend, we are anticipating a review of the situation from the Prime Minister.

We are all unsure what to expect from the week ahead, even the months ahead, but we know that Coronavirus, and the ability for it to spread, is not going away in a hurry.

We are not going anywhere either. We have changed the way we all operate to help you through this and you are not alone.

No matter what happens over the next few days and weeks, the council’s humanitarian response will continue to be robust and we would like to remind you that if you are vulnerable, with no family or friends who can help with shopping or collecting medication you should contact the Resource Hub.

Call 01204 337221 if you need help, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm and Saturday 9am – 1.30pm. There is help for businesses too via the council website.

If you are unwell, worried about your health or have been invited for vaccinations or tests, you should ring your GP practice.

Practices are still available and they are working this bank holiday. Please phone them first.

Pharmacies are also open for a minimum of three hours on Friday. Some might be open longer, so check your local one for details.

It’s also important that if you need urgent or life-saving treatment that you go to A&E.

If you have chest pain, stroke symptoms, heavy bleeding, severe tummy pain, a severe headache, or have a child who is very unwell then don’t delay in seeking help.

The message from us all has been Stay at home, Protect the NHS, Save lives and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing exactly that.

We really appreciate all your efforts and your support. It has worked so far and it has protected us from an unmanageable and unenviable situation.

But we are able to help with non-coronavirus illnesses and symptoms.

We are all still here for you, Bolton.