The coronavirus infection rate has risen above 500 in Bolton again for the first time in a number of weeks.

The town's infection rate dropped as low as 250 new cases per 100,000 residents in June, however, in recent weeks it has begun to rise again.

Surge testing in the borough implemented by local public health teams, NHS, CCG, and countless volunteers is what originally brought this down, with local leaders still pleading with residents to do regular tests and to be vaccinated.

Cases across Greater Manchester and the rest of the country have spiked significantly in the last month, even before the final easing of lockdown restrictions on 'freedom day' (July 19).

The Bolton News: A Covid-19 social distancing sign in Bolton town centreA Covid-19 social distancing sign in Bolton town centre

In the seven days to July 17, Bolton recorded 1,442 new positive cases of Covid-19, equalling an infection rate of 501.5 new positive cases per 100,000 residents.

This is an increase from the previous seven days, to July 10, where the town recorded an infection rate of 327.6 new cases per 100,000 residents.

The Bolton News: A Covid-19 sign in Bolton town centreA Covid-19 sign in Bolton town centre

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 2,600 new cases in the seven days to July 17.

Greater Manchester infection rates

From left to right: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 17; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 17; rate of new cases in the seven days to July 10; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to July 10.

Wigan, 810.3, (2663), 550.1, (1808)

Oldham, 789.9, (1873), 645.7, (1531)

Rochdale, 703.2, (1564), 606.1, (1348)

Salford, 687.3, (1779), 543.6, (1407)

Tameside, 678.6, (1537), 483.0, (1094)

Stockport, 607.3, (1782), 422.3, (1239)

Bury, 591.1, (1129), 403.7, (771)

Manchester, 583.5, (3226), 499.6, (2762)

Trafford, 547.3, (1299), 538.4, (1278)

Bolton, 501.5, (1442), 327.6, (942)