COVID is “not over”, experts have warned as cases rise in older age groups in Bolton and across England.

This comes as the most recent figures from Tuesday March 8 show that the total number of cases in the borough increased by 99 over the previous 24 hours.

Two Covid-related deaths were recorded in the same period, while cases are rising across England in the over 55s and older group in general.

UK Health Security Agency chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: “These data confirm that cases have declined substantially following the peak of the Omicron wave.”

“However, the increasing presence of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron and the recent slight increase in infections in those over 55 show that the pandemic is not over and that we can expect to see Covid circulating at high levels.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect us all from severe disease and hospitalisation due to Covid-19 infection.

“We urge you to come forward for your primary or booster doses straight away if you have not already done so.”

Bolton had been one of the worst hit boroughs in England during the peak of the pandemic and at times over the course of 2020 was the most infected borough in the country.