Several Bolton pubs shuttered as infection rate spikes
The Greater Manchester town was subject to strict local restrictions on socialising between different households from Saturday 5 September after its Covid-19 infection rate increased to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week, the highest in England.
Bolton Council in consultation with the Government and Public Health England has asked all residents to only use public transport for essential purposes and to not mix with households indoors or outdoors.
Back soon
Several pubs in the town have taken the decision to voluntarily close after confirmed cases of coronavirus were linked back to their venues.
The Alma Inn in the Bradshawgate area closed for a deep clean on Saturday after a customer testing positive for the virus.
The pub updated customers in a Facebook post and said it would open its doors again soon.
“We are closed until further notice due to a customer being tested positive for Covid-19," it said.
“We are so sorry, but we feel this is the best thing to do until we have done a deep clean and staff have been tested
“It sucks that this has come into effect, we will be back very shortly and hope you guys understand.”
Safety first
What’s more, the Balmoral pub in the same area also shut briefly to deep clean.
It told customers: “Guys there is rumours going round about us shutting due to Covid.
"This rumour is true. We have had to shut to get the place deep cleaned and sanitised.
"We will be back open tomorrow. We had to put your safety first and prevent the spread. That is how we keep us all safe.
"So if you're having Covid symptoms please stay at home for 10-14 days."
Contact tracing
The Bank Top Brewery Tap contacted authorities after learning a customer had tested positive for the virus.
The pub later said it had contacted all individuals who had been in close proximity to the customer and would reopen after a clean.
Astley Bridge Conservative Club and the Venue Bar also announced they would be closing after members of staff tested positive.
Officials have urged young people especially to ensure they follow the new restrictions, after more than 90% of cases in the town are people aged between 18 and 49-years-old.
