PUBLIC health officers in Bolton are today visiting homes in the borough today in a bid to control the spread of the Indian variant of Covid.

Residents living in Rumworth, Deane and Great Lever are being told to expect a knock on the door.

They will be told about new measures in place to stop the transmission of the variant.

Bolton has one of the highest rates of the Indian mutation, now categorised as a 'variant of concern'.

Now public health chiefs have announced a series of measures to stop the transmission of the virus.

This includes residents in the affected areas to to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, and be urged to take up the vaccination.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Our teams are visiting homes in Rumworth, Deane and Great Lever today advising on new measures in place to help control the spread of Covid-19 variants. We want everyone without symptoms to get tested."

WHAT PUBLIC HEALTH BOSSES IN BOLTON ARE DOING?

Mobile testing units are already operating at Memory Lane Wedding Venue and Makkah Mosque with home test kits available for pick up and return at Deane Road Temple.

Additional measures will be introduced in the coming days as Bolton Council and it’s partners focus on bringing the virus under control.

•More Mobile Testing Unites will be opened

•A renewed vaccine pushed targeted at those living in the affected areas who are eligible to be vaccinated

•Door-to-door engagement with the community to encourage take-up of surge testing and vaccination

•Leaflet drops at every household within the areas

•Working with voluntary organisations and community leaders to engage with different communities

•Translated materials and interpretation services so that members of our community are aware of the messages

•A social media campaign led by our local communities to encourage uptake of PCR testing and vaccination

Anyone who has Covid symptoms should book a test as normal using the online portal and isolate immediately.

England remains at Step 2 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown meaning people should not meet indoors with anyone outside their household or bubble.