Covid: New Bolton vaccine centre opens as variant concern goes on

The town has seen a sharp spike in infections since mid-April

A new vaccine centre has opened in Bolton amid continuing concern over the spread of the Covid-19 Indian variant.

The variant, thought to be more transmissible, now makes up the majority of new cases in the town.

Ministers are stepping up calls for people to book vaccinations as soon as they are offered appointments.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said most people currently in hospital with coronavirus in Bolton were eligible for a jab, but had not had one.

"To anyone who feels hesitant about getting the vaccine right across the country, just look at what is happening in Bolton Hospital," he said.

"The majority of people in hospital with coronavirus were eligible for the jab but have chosen not yet to have the jab and have ended up in hospital - some of them in intensive care.

"Vaccines save lives, they protect you, they protect your loved ones and they will help us all get out of this pandemic."

• Ministers to step up vaccine take up calls

• Covid in Bolton: What's causing the spike?

• How much faster does the Indian variant spread?

The new vaccine centre at Quebec Hall will be open seven days a week from 08:00 to 20:00 BST for those working, living or studying in the BL3 and BL4 postcode areas.

It will also be open to those aged 36 and over or aged 16 and over and in a high-risk category.

Meanwhile, surge testing is to take place at Manchester College's Nicholls Campus in Ardwick over the next three days after 17 students in a single teaching group tested positive for the virus.

The cases are being treated as linked to possible variants of concern and have been sent for genomic sequencing.

A college spokesman said there was no evidence to suggest other campuses had been affected.

The latest easing of lockdown restrictions went ahead as planned on Monday across most of England, Scotland and Wales despite concerns about the variant.

It meant pubs and restaurants were able to welcome customers inside while people were able to socialise indoors and to hug family and friends outside their own households.

However, ministers have warned the final lifting of lockdown restrictions in England, set for 21 June , may have to be delayed if the new variant continues to spread.

• LOOK-UP TOOL: How many cases in your area?

• SYMPTOMS: What are they and how to guard against them?

• YOUR QUESTIONS: We answer your queries

• TREATMENTS: What progress are we making to help people?

• EPIDEMIC v PANDEMIC: What's the difference?