AS pubs and restaurants reopen tomorrow, people are being urged to be ‘careful their new freedom’ so Bolton does not become the second place to go back into lockdown.

Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton CVS have released a joint message as lockdown measures to contain coronavirus ease this weekend ­- which also marks the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

They said: "It’s been more than 100 days since lockdown began but from Saturday, pubs and restaurants can reopen so long as they adhere to social distancing guidance.

We’d like to thank you for your support so far. It is because you have followed the guidance that we have come through the peak of the crisis and that we’re in the position to allow more businesses to open. So, thank you!

While we appreciate that some of you will relish the idea of a pint in the local, or the chance of a much-needed haircut, we don’t want this new-found joy to be short lived.

Our lives have changed so much since March, and we know it can be difficult at times, but please don’t forget that the virus is still with us and is still highly contagious.

Whether we face another 100 days of restrictions or another 10 – we cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining social distancing, washing your hands regularly and staying safe from COVID-19.

This week has seen the first ‘local lockdown’ in the UK. Let’s not be next on the list. We are all rebuilding and re-invigorating our lives, but let’s do this slowly and safely. We’ve come too far to let our standards slip, so help us to help you stay safe and well.

The council is still providing support and advice to the most vulnerable, those struggling with money issues and local businesses.

Your GP practice is still operating but you must phone them first if you need help, and more appointments are becoming available at evenings and weekends in the next few weeks.

Your A&E department is still providing emergency treatment for serious injury or life-threatening conditions but because of the measures we are taking to keep the hospital safe and COVID secure, we have limited capacity to deal with high numbers of people.

Patients will be asked to attend on their own – so family and friends must wait outside in the car or go home and we are continuing with social distancing of 2m.

This weekend also marks the 72nd birthday of our NHS and we implore you to continue to protect our health and care workers. So, while we celebrate our health and care heroes on Sunday, we’d also like to say once again ‘thank-you’ to you all for your patience and sensible approach to the easing of lockdown measures. Please be careful with this new feeling of freedom, so that we can continue to keep everyone safe.

We will come through this stronger, together."