BOLTON residents will be asked to continue to follow Covid-19 rules when using council facilities, in order to protect essential services.

The council announced the decision ahead of England fully unlocking on July 19 - which will see all legal coronavirus restrictions being lifted.

It will be up to individuals, businesses and organisations if they decide to keep the precautions.

Bolton Council will retain several existing precautions in all public-facing council buildings such as libraries, Bolton Market and registrars.

These include:

  • Everyone will be encouraged to continue with social distancing in all council buildings
  • The use of face coverings will be strongly recommended, especially in busy areas
  • Where possible, windows will be kept open to maintain good ventilation
  • Protective screens will remain in place
  • Hand sanitising stations will still be available
  • QR “check in” facilities will remain and everyone will be encouraged to use them
  • Enhanced cleaning will still be provided for high contact surfaces and touch points

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said:“Throughout the pandemic, council staff have delivered the frontline services we all rely on, and for this I am incredibly proud of our staff.

“We look forward to opening up further in the weeks and months ahead, but it is important we do this safely and responsibly in order to protect both staff and the public.

“It is important we return to ‘business as usual’ as quickly and safely as we can, but this will look a little different as we work smarter and more digitally. It is about finding the correct balance so no resident feels disenfranchised. The bottom line is that everyone for the time being must keep following safety precautions.

“Everyone in Bolton has worked hard to bring the virus under control and I am sure we will keep up the good works as we enter Step 4 of the roadmap.”