Bolton’s high COVID rate is being made worse by conspiracy theories, says MP
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South East, believes conspiracy theories and scepticism over legitimacy of the virus have seen virus cases rise in the town.
A local MP says that conspiracy theories around coronavirus have contributed to Bolton becoming the worst-affected area in England.
The Greater Manchester borough is under tighter restrictions following a surge in positive test results in recent weeks, with local hospitality operating a takeaway-only service and most other venues required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Casinos, skating rinks and bowling alleys are banned from trading.
Residents are also forbidden from meeting anyone outside their support bubble, inside or outside.
But despite the new restrictions, Bolton COVID cases have continued to climb, and Labour MP for Bolton South East Yasmin Qureshi has expressed concern that people are ignoring the rules as they’re questioning the legitimacy of the virus.
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“There is a lot of confusion about the virus in the area,” she said.
“There are a lot of people now who do not believe it is true.”
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Wikimedia Commons
A hashtag that rejects government rules and regulations, #thinkingforyourself, is gaining momentum and spreading across local forums and social media.
Qureshi added: “They genuinely believe it’s some kind of conspiracy.
“A lot of them don’t understand the rules either and so there are many who just aren’t following them – they think it is a way of controlling them somehow.
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“It is very dangerous.”
Bolton’s COVID rate is 187.8 cases per 100,000 people, with hospital admittances also increasing.
According to health experts, males in their 40s and 50s are among those worst affected.
David Dixon / Geograph
Alongside Bolton, the nine surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs are on ‘red alert’ due to a spike in cases in the North West.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already confirmed the presence of a second wave in the UK, with as many as 11 million people in Britain now living under tighter restrictions.
Chief medical personnel Chris Whitty and Patrick Valance are due to give a press conference later today to update the public on the situation, with concerns that the infection rate is “heading in the wrong direction.”
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
21st September 2020 
