How many people in Greater Manchester have had Covid so far since the pandemic began?

The North West has recorded 1.2 million cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic emerged in 2020, more than any other region.

That is the equivalent of 1,903 people testing positive each day on average between 30 January 2020 and 13 November 2021 - 1.4 times greater than the average across all regions, according to Government data analysis. It has also recorded the highest rate of cases with 16,870 cases per 100,000 people recorded - or 16.9% of the local population, higher than the England average of 14.2%.

Think-tank Institute of Public Policy Research North (IPPR North) said the North West has not received the support and investment it requires to create good health in their communities.

Here we look at the figures for the total numbers of cases of Covid-19 in Greater Manchester by percentage of the local population, with Government data from 30 January 2020 to 13 November 2021:

1. Oldham: 43,226 cases: 18.2% of population

2. Rochdale: 40,438 cases: 18.1% of population

3. Salford: 47,207 cases: 18% of population

4. Manchester: 99,211 cases: 17.9% of population

5. Wigan: 58,580 cases: 17.7% of population

6. Tameside: 39,995: 17.6% of population

7. Bury: 33,171: 17.4% of population

8. Bolton: 42,590: 17.1% of population

9. Trafford: 40.245: 16.9% of population

10. Stockport: 48,629: 16.5% of population.

What’s been said about the stats in the North West?

Interim Director of IPPR North, Dr Arianna Giovannini said:  “Social determinants of health – the things that influence health outcomes like your housing and income – affect your risk of catching Covid-19. But places in the North West have not being empowered by central government to build health locally: they have not received the support and investment they need to create good health in their communities. In addition, they have seen their resilience eroded after a decade of austerity imposed by Westminster. Indeed, public health budgets in the North West have been cut by £15.13 per person in real terms since 2014.

“The pandemic continues, and it will continue, to have a disproportionate impact on northern people and economies until ambitious action is taken to empower local leaders and communities to build their own health resilience.”

Dr Merav Kliner, Interim Regional Deputy Director - North West UK Health Security Agency said:

“Throughout this pandemic the North West has experienced considerable challenges and loss. Due to a variety of factors; a combination of social deprivation, disadvantaged communities, health inequalities and social issues, the North West is a challenging public health environment. This period has been incredibly tough on us all and it has cost us so much, but this virus is far from beaten and we have to keep doing the simple things that save lives. The principles for how we keep transmission low have not changed. During the winter months it will be more important than ever to follow the measures. The simplest way to do this is to wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering and try to keep your distance from others where possible.

“Above all else, if you have COVID-19 symptoms you must self-isolate in line with published guidance and get a test.

“I urge people in the North West to carry on:

• Washing your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly
• Wearing a face mask in crowded areas, such as public transport
• Limiting close contact with other people
• Meeting others outside - as fresh air blows virus particles away – or if meeting indoors, open windows to ventilate spaces and let the fresh air in

“Get the vaccine when offered and take up offers of the booster vaccine which are crucial in topping up waning immunity. Those eligible should also take up the offer of a flu vaccine.’’