Coronavirus infections in Bolton have fallen by one of the slowest rates in the UK during the third national lockout.
In the week to February 16, 225.4 new cases of Covid-19 were registered for every 100,000 people across the borough.
The third national infection ban pushed down just 37 percent, from an infection rate of 359.9 on January 5 – when the new rules came into effect.
Out of 315 local authorities across England, only four areas saw disease fall a smaller percentage.
In Northwest Leicestershire and Barnsley, infections fall by just one per cent less than in Bolton.
New cases in Bradford fell 28 percent during the third lockout.
The UK average fell by 76.1 per cent.
Rutland saw the slowest drop in cases, with the disease rate falling just 14 percent under the new rules.
Dr Helen Lowey, Bolton Council’s director of public health, warned that rates remain high across the region, and restrictions may not be eased unless they fall.
She said: “Covid-19 case levels are falling in Bolton, but our levels are still high.
(Image Credit: Manchester Evening News)
“We are seeing declining rates across England and it is encouraging to see both hospitals and the number of deaths due to Covid-19 falling.
“Despite this, and what the government has announced about easing some restrictions in the coming weeks, Covid-19 is still circulating within our community.
“Public health measures remain vital.
“Keep continuing to reduce the number of connections you have, and if you can work from home, do so.
“When working out, or outdoors, try to stay at least 2m away from other people, whether this is outdoors for physical exercise, or shopping for essential supplies. Please continue to get your hands on it. wash regularly and wear face masks where necessary.
“By continuing with these measures in the coming months we can hope to bring rates down further – and allow restrictions to be cautious and gradual. “
Bolton has one of the highest disease rates in the country, sitting at 14 on the list of local authorities.
Prior to the start of the third national block, it had the 259th highest rate of disease.
The growing rate of coronavirus infection in the region has been partly driven by outbreaks in care homes and workplaces, experts say.
One of the factors contributing to these numbers is the high proportion of positive tests among people of working age – from those in their 20s to those in their 60s – explained Lynn Donkin, deputy director of public health Bolton advice.
She said Manchester Evening News : “What I remember is that, in Bolton and the North West in general, compared to other parts of the country, there are fewer people here able to do their work from home.
“There are more people in the type of jobs where attendance at work is still allowed or they can’t do the work from home so they have to go in and be physically present.
“That means we may be seeing more mixing and more communication compared to the rest of the country.”
Working age people in Bolton now make up three-quarters of advanced exams in the city.