MUSLIMS celebrating Eid this week have been urged to be mindful of Bolton's increasing coronavirus infection rates.

Bolton continues to have the second highest coronavirus infection rate in the country.

New cases of the virus are believed to be of the new strain of the Indian variant, which was is thought to be linked to people coming from abroad, particularly India.

There is also evidence of community transmission.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "The Indian variant is largely responsible for the increase that we are seeing in Bolton.

"We’re asking people to take notice of that and perhaps not move fully to take advantage of all the freedoms that will be make available next week, to continue to proceed carefully, and to be aware of the situation in your community

“We do have Eid approaching, we of course have the unlocking approaching.

"And we would say to the Muslim community in Bolton look at the figures and be very mindful of that as we go through those celebrations."

Dr Niruban Ratnarajah, Chairman of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Eid Mubarak and thank you to all our Muslim communities who have observed Ramadan safely at this difficult time.


“As we enter the period of Eid celebrations, we would urge people not to lose sight of what we are trying to achieve in Bolton.

"We are so close to getting things back to normal, however, rising infection rates in the borough are a stark reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken up the vaccine so far in Bolton – this will help us to drive down the virus.

“But please remember that even if you have been vaccinated, it’s important to stick to the guidance to protect friends, family and others.”

Mr Burnham said data shows there has been a clear increase in infection rates in the younger age groups in Bolton ­— and his department was pushing for all over-16s to be vaccinated in the borough.

Mr Burnham said: "I can report that Greater Manchester has submitted, for consideration, to the JCVI ­— Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ­— a request that we have permission to vaccinate all over 16s in Bolton and more widely in Greater Manchester so that we can move more quickly beyond the age progression.

“That being a really important thing that might be able to mitigate the risks of spread in those communities where we are seeing more transmission.

“We have been saying for some time there should be a provision to surge vaccine supplies into the areas where the case rates have been highest rate throughout, and where historically there are the greatest health inequalities.

“In many ways we are repeating that request but with a renewed urgency given the effect of what we are seeing in Bolton. While we support the roadmap we do have to give a more cautious message that perhaps the one that is currently being given nationally."