Covid-19: infection rates are continuing to rise across Greater Manchester, the latest modelling shows

Covid-19 infection rates are continuing to rise across Greater Manchester, the latest data modelling shows.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the rates of people testing positive for the novel coronavirus went up in every local authority across the city-region in the week up to 25 June.

Statistics have been showing rising numbers of cases in recent weeks, leading health experts to issue fresh warnings to the public that Covid-19 is not over.

What does the data show for Greater Manchester?

The latest ONS modelling looks at what percentage of the population in each local authority tested positive for Covid-19 in the week ending 25 June, and also expressed this as a rate of how many people have the novel coronavirus.

The highest rate was 1 in 25 people getting Covid in the most recent week, which was recorded in Trafford, Salford and Tameside.

The percentages of the population testing positive were 3.8% in Trafford and Salford and 3.7% in Tameside.

One in 30 people tested positive in the latest week in the other seven Greater Manchester boroughs.

The percentages were 3.5% in Manchester and Rochdale, 3.4% in Oldham, Bury and Bolton, 3.3% in Stockport and 3.2% in Wigan.

Covid-19 infection rates have risen across the board since the week ending 18 June, when the rates were 1 in 35 people and 1 in 40 people across Greater Manchester.

The data comes from the ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey, which tests a representative sample of the population in all areas of the UK each week. This method of modelling is being used because the number of people regularly testing for Covid-19 has dropped significantly since the Government rolled back much of the national testing apparatus.

The data relates to people living in private households, rather than communal facilities such as prisons.

What has been said?

The rising numbers have led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to warn people that they should take some measures once again to prevent further spread of Covid-19.

The UKHSA said vaccination remains the best form of defence against Covid and said anyone who has not come forward yet to get their jabs should do so.

It also advised staying at home if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever, continuing to wash hands to reduce transmission and considering wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. People have also been asked to consider meeting outside more.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, interim regional deputy director for the UKHSA North West, said: “Let’s enjoy the summer and our regained freedoms but keep in mind that Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and we all need to do our bit to live safely.”