Spike in the number of people contracting new covid strain

It comes as the number of people locally contracting the new variant of Covid-19 has risen sharply.

Figures shown to The Bolton News revealed that 44 per cent of positive cases recorded in the borough in the week of December 29 had VOC 202021/01 — the first Variant of Concern December 2020 — more than double the week before.

In the week of December 22, 18 per cent tested positive for the strain.

Borough public health director Dr Helen Lowey said: “The new variant of coronavirus spreads more easily. It is now circulating in our communities in Bolton and is rapidly becoming the dominant strain.

“The way to control this virus is the same, whatever the variant. It will not spread if we avoid close contact with others. Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance from others, and reduce your social contacts.

“I want to thank the vast majority of Bolton residents who are following the rules. I ask everyone to please follow all the rules and stay at home if you possible can.

“Seek a test if you have symptoms and, if positive, be sure to isolate for the full 10 days. We have high and rising levels of infection at the moment and it is vital that we do all we can.”

This variant was first detected in early December in the UK and it began to spread quickly by mid-December.

The number of people being admitted into hospital with coronavirus continues to increase. As of Sunday, there 127 patients with Covid being treated at Royal Bolton Hospital.

This is compared to 108 confirmed people with Covid -19 last week.

In a 24 hour period at the start of this week 14 people had been admitted/diagnosed with coronavirus in the hospital — compared to just five patients during the same period last week.

Thirteen people have died at the hospital with Covid in the seven days to January 9.

Infection rates in the 16 plus age range are are over 250 per 100,000 and said to be rising.