Bolton is still recording the lowest coronavirus infection in Greater Manchester, despite cases rising in recent weeks.

The amount of Covid-19 cases in Greater Manchester has risen significantly over recent weeks.

Bolton was the first borough to see a rise in cases in late April and early May due to the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 ­— recording the highest number of cases in the country for a significant time.

However, this was brought under control through the work of local NHS, CCG, and public health teams, along with countless volunteers, to surge vaccinate and test to bring infection rates down.

The Bolton News: (Image: PA)(Image: PA)

Infection rates in the borough have begun creeping up again, although this is at a much slower rate than the rest of the region.

In the seven days to July 8, Bolton recorded 931 new positive cases of Covid-19, equalling an infection rate of 323.8 new positive cases per 100,000 residents.

This is a slight increase from the previous seven days, to July 1, where the borough recorded an infection rate of 306.7 per 100,000 residents.

Only Bury and Manchester saw their number of cases drop in the latest round of figures, while Oldham is now recording the highest infection rate in the region.

The Bolton News: (Image: PA)(Image: PA)

This all comes after the July 19 'freedom day' dropping of all coronavirus lockdown restrictions was confirmed by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, today.

Mr Johnson did say that infection rates would increase significantly after this easing, and did not rule out lockdown restrictions returning.

The continued use of face masks in indoor settings will also continue to be recommended.

Greater Manchester infection rates

From left to right: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 8; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 8; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 1; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 1.

Oldham, 624.6, (1481), 541.5, (1284)

Rochdale, 573.3, (1275), 488.3, (1086)

Wigan, 536.4, (1763), 517.6, (1701)

Salford, 528.5, (1368), 505.7, (1309)

Trafford, 525.4, (1247), 454.2, (1078)

Manchester, 497.8, (2752), 546.3, (3020)

Tameside, 476.4, (1079), 407.5, (923)

Bury, 393.7, (752), 404.2, (772)

Stockport, 391.2, (1148), 330.2, (969)

Bolton, 323.8, (931), 306.7, (882)