For all the latest news from in and around Bolton, sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter Two cases of the South African variant of Covid-19 have been discovered in Bolton.
The new strain of the virus is thought to be more transmissible and has triggered immediate reactions by public health bodies in other areas of the country.
Specialists from Bolton Council are set to meet with Public Health England today (Tuesday) and are believed to be discussing the possibility of surge testing in the borough.
The two cases are not believed to be linked. A spokesman for the council's public health team has moved to reassure residents and said that the new variant is not thought to create any more severe symptoms than the original coronavirus.