Covid Indian variant infections in Bolton slow thanks to vaccination drive and extra testing
- Cases in Bolton, Lancashire have fallen more than ten per cent in just four days
- Health officials had launched a major campaign to bring the virus under control
- Since then more than 15,000 people have been jabbed at extra vaccination sites
An intensive vaccination drive and extra testing is turning the tide against the Covid Indian variant in Bolton.
According to the latest figures for the Lancashire town, the rate of infections fell more than ten per cent in just four days – from 451 infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the week to May 20 to 403 in the week to May 24.
Two weeks ago, health officials launched a major campaign to bring the virus under control in Bolton.
Since then more than 15,000 people have been jabbed at extra vaccination sites and surge-testing has been deployed to root out asymptomatic cases.
People are pictured above outside a vaccination centre in the town. Two weeks ago, health officials launched a major campaign to bring the virus under control in Bolton
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last night: ‘I want to thank everyone in Bolton who is working to turn the tide – the public health workers, volunteers, NHS staff, Armed Forces and the public.’
Dr Helen Wall, who is leading the fight against the variant in the town, said just a handful of those in Royal Bolton Hospital with Covid had received two vaccine doses and some of those had only recently had their second dose so had not developed full protection.
The rest of the patients had received only one dose, which provides more limited protection.
According to the latest figures for the Lancashire town, the rate of infections fell more than ten per cent in just four days
Dr Wall said those in hospital with Covid tended to be less sick than those in the past, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘In terms of how ill they’re getting, I think the vaccine definitely seems to be working.’
Figures across England show just 12 deaths among 5,599 confirmed Indian variant cases – a death rate of 0.2 per cent. Only two of the 12 had received both doses.
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