COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place in hospital and community settings in the borough even after July 19, the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has announced.

The decision comes as infection rates are still high and the number of people being seen in hospital is on the rise.

The trust is appealing for its communities to do the same so it can continue to work through the elective surgery backlog and other services, as well as manage people who are affected by the pandemic.

Visitors are expected to get both vaccinations if they have not already done so, continue to wear face masks in hospital and community sites and continue to maintain social distancing and use hand gel.

Chief operating officer and deputy chief executive, Andy Ennis said “This is not the time for us to become complacent and if anything, it’s more important than ever for us to keep up with the measures that are in place to keep everyone safe, because people will naturally be having more contact with others post July 19.”

The trust will review and update their policy based on a number of factors and real life examples.

But trust bosses have warned necessary precautions need to be taken as the rising number of Covid infections continues to pose a threat to the NHS.