THE latest Covid-19 data for Bolton shows an average of 124 new cases per day.

Figures from the public health directorate in the borough show, in the fortnight reported on, most positive cases arose after community swab testing.

There was also an increase in the number of cases in NHS testing for those with a clinical need and health and care workers.

When the figures are broken down to ward level, the five highest areas in terms of numbers of infections in the week up to October 4, the latest period for which figure are available, show that  Crompton recorded 65 infections, Harper Green 62, Great Lever 60, Rumworth 56 and Hulton 44.

The five wards with the lowest number of infections in that week were Bradshaw and Heaton and Lostock, both with 24 cases and Breightmet, Westhoughton South and Horwich and Blackrod, where all three areas recorded 25  new cases.

In terms of the ages profile of those testing positive, for the week up to October 17 there were 159 cases for those aged 35-44 and 370 new infections for those aged 34 and below. There was an increase from the previous week for those aged 65-74 to 50 cases.

In a weekly report on Covid in Bolton, Lynn Donkin, assistant director in public health for the council, said: “The number of positive cases amongst Bolton residents remains high, with on average 124 cases per day. New cases remain widespread across the borough and remain evenly distributed across the age bands between 15 and 59.

“In the last fortnight the largest proportion of cases were found in people aged 16-24 and we are seeing increases in case numbers and case rates across all age groups, including older age groups."

“The largest number of cases are white British (53 per cent) and there is a disproportionate number of cases of Asian background (22 per cent)

“There remains a disproportionate number of cases from the most disadvantaged parts of the borough, although has become less marked.”

The report added that testing rates were showing a downward trend, however proportion of tests reported as positive remained high and on an upward trend at 12 per cent for the seven days ending October 8.