Bolton’s director of public health has dispelled the “myth” that only older people are at risk from coronavirus.

Helen Lowey, Bolton’s director of public health, said this in a video statement released on Bolton council’s Twitter page on Friday, soon after stricter lockdown measures were announced across Greater Manchester.

In the statement she said: “Although we have seen a lot of older people becoming seriously unwell with the virus, we do know that younger people can also catch the virus and they can spread it.

“Being young and fit will not necessarily protect you from catching the virus so it is important that people of all ages follow the measures in place to avoid themselves becoming unwell or passing the virus on to others.

“So please do keep yourselves safe and our loved ones safe.”

The video ends by saying “if you have any symptoms of covid-19 you must self isolate and get a test immediately.”

This has also been echoed by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who is calling on all residents, old and young, to play their part in protecting each other and getting through these new regulations.

Mr Burnham said: “I ask all Greater Manchester residents ­— young and old alike ­— to protect each other by observing these new requirements.

“They will be reviewed weekly, meaning the more we stick to them, the quicker they will be removed.”

He added to that message in a press conference on Friday, saying : “This is about everyone’s health. Your mum’s. Your dad’s. Your gran’s.”

Visit bolton.gov.uk/coronavirus for more.