COUNCIL bosses have repeated appeals for Bolton residents to consider taking regular lateral flow device tests.

Despite the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, they say, the risk posed by the condition remains serious.

And public health leaders say a key way of ensuring the borough remains safe is to take lateral flow device tests twice weekly.

One in three people with Covid-19 does not show any symptoms but could be spreading the virus without knowing.

Cllr Susan Baines, wellbeing cabinet member, said: "It’s great to see local people so positive but we must remember that the risks are still there and there are things we can do to stay as safe as possible.

“Hands, face, space and fresh air, as well as testing and taking up the vaccine as soon as it is offered will help to keep people safe and reduce the spread of the virus.

“The virus is still circulating in our communities and the infection rates are high, so it is really important we look after each other and take the sensible steps we are all familiar with to keep each other safe.

"And please also get tested as soon as possible if you have symptoms”

She says the tests help identify these positive cases so they can self-isolate to protect others.

Results can be discovered within 30 minutes and positive or negative results can be registered online.

The tests are available via the various testing sites across the borough, from local pharmacies and Community Collect sites.