“THIS is Bolton. When times get tough, we get tougher.”

That was our message when the nation’s media came to Bolton on May 11th to ask how our borough would cope being on the frontline of the fight against the Delta variant.

Exactly one month later, Bolton was once again in the national spotlight, this time being held up as an example of how communities can face up to the challenges of the pandemic.

On Friday (June 11th) Jenny Harries, the Chief Executive of the newly founded UK Health Security Agency, visited Bolton to learn more about our response.

She heard how Bolton Council, Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, the Army, the national Surge Rapid Response Team, schools, charities, community groups and local volunteers all pulled together to bring down local infection rates.

Community engagement, door-to-door visiting, increased vaccination, enhanced testing, contact tracing and supporting self-isolation have all been vital elements of our joint response.

We are now starting to see a decrease in the number of cases, but we are not out of the woods yet.

The real test starts now, and there is something we can all do to help.

Two tests a week

Locally, nationally and globally we have seen many large-scale efforts designed to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

But there is something everyone can do which is simple, free and takes just minutes.

Lateral flow devise (LFD) tests, are easy-to-use home test kits that are available to pick up from pharmacies and collection points.

Test kits come with clear instructions and, after taking a quick swab of your nose and throat, a display on the device itself will tell you whether or not you have COVID-19.

Many people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms at all, but still risk passing the virus on to others.

A negative LFD test will give you the peace of mind that you are not putting family, friends or colleagues at risk.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Sue Baines, said:

“If everyone in Bolton takes two LFD tests at home every week, we can help catch cases before the virus has a chance to spread.

“Not only does this protect the most vulnerable people in our community, but lower rates bring us all a step closer to restrictions being lifted.

“The last few weeks have shown Bolton’s community spirit at its very best – lets continue that good work and keep each other safe by taking regular tests at home.”

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 who already has COVID symptoms should go straight to the national website and book a PCR test.

Anyone struggling with self-isolation can contact Bolton Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 01204 337221 and may also be eligible for financial support.

Everyone can play their part

Anyone with school-aged children will already be familiar with LFD tests, as will many Bolton residents who cannot work from home and so take regular LFD tests in order to keep their colleagues safe.

But we need more people to make LFD testing part of their weekly routine so we can make sure the virus is not spreading in the community.

If you are unsure how to use and LFD kit, or simply want some advice, why not come along to one of our LFD testing sites:

• Victoria Halls, Knowsley Street, BL1 2AS (Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm)

• Bolton Arena BL6 6LB (Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm).

No booking is required and you can either take a test on-site or take a kit home with you.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency, 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.”

Visit www.nhs.uk/get-tested to find a LFD collection site near you.