The coronavirus infection rate has continued to rise in Bolton and across the rest of Greater Manchester.

The number of cases across the country has been rising rapidly in recent weeks as lockdown restrictions were set to be eased on 'freedom day' on Monday July 19.

Bolton saw a sharp rise in cases in late April and early May due to the spread of the Delta variant, which is now causing the high amount of cases across the rest of the country.

Bolton managed to get coronavirus cases decreasing after this spike due to the work of local public health teams, NHS, CCG, and countless volunteers to implement surge testing and vaccinations.

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

However, cases have begun to increase again in line with the rest of the region and the country as a whole.

In the seven days to July 16, Bolton recorded 1,380 new positive cases of Covid-19, equalling an infection rate of 479.9 new cases per 100,000 residents.

This is an increase from the previous seven days, to July 9, where the town recorded less than 1,000 cases at a rate of 324.8 new cases per 100,000 residents.

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

This means Bolton is still recording the lowest infection rate in Greater Manchester, with Trafford and Manchester recording the lowest rates after that.

Wigan has now replaced Oldham in recording the highest infection rate in the region, having recorded over 2,500 new cases in the seven days to July 16.

Greater Manchester infection rates

From left to right: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 16; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 16; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 9; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 9.

Wigan, 786.8, (2586), 541.9, (1781)

Oldham, 786.6, (1865), 634.3, (1504)

Rochdale, 717.6, (1596), 587.6, (1307)

Salford, 669.5, (1733), 540.5, (1399)

Tameside, 657.0, (1488), 479.0, (1085)

Stockport, 586.5, (1721), 407.6, (1196)

Bury, 580.7, (1109), 401.6, (767)

Manchester, 580.6, (3210), 497.6, (2751)

Trafford, 547.7, (1300), 541.4, (1285)

Bolton, 479.9, (1380), 324.8, (934)