​Latest Covid rise puts us three times the national average

Community leaders in Bury have reiterated their call for residents to follow the coronavirus rules as new figures show another big rise in new cases.

With 175 new cases recorded in the seven days to 12 September, the infection rate has shot up from 59.4 per 100,000 to 92.1 – nearly three times the national average.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “These are the highest figures recorded in Bury in months, and show just how rapidly the virus can spread.

“No one wants the Government to put us back into lockdown, but we’re firmly in the ‘red’ zone where that is a very real possibility. We all need to do our best to stop transmission of the virus by following the rules.”

The majority of new cases were still among young working age adults but increases are now starting to be seen in the older working age group which is worrying. 

The largest number of new cases (41) was recorded in Prestwich and also in Bury West (which includes Radcliffe), but cases are spread across all five neighbourhood areas of the borough.

Cllr Simpson added: “The ‘Rule of 6’ came into effect across England this week, but remember – in Bury we are already under tougher restrictions, and these supersede the national rules.

“Wash your hands, wear a face mask if you are not medically exempt where required, and keep your distance from others – that’s the only way we will get these rates down.”

In Bury:

• you must not meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden.
• you must not visit someone else’s home or garden - even if they live outside the affected areas.
• you should not socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.
• Face coverings must be worn in shops/supermarkets, public transport, banks and post offices, cinemas/theatres, places of workshop, libraries/museums and community centres.

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 September 2020.

Note to editors:

Bury’s data is based on the number of confirmed cases, which explains why it differs from Greater Manchester/England data which is based on positive tests (which may include multiple tests on the same person).

The four-week summary in Bury:

Week ending 12 September: infection rate 92.1 (175 new cases)

Week ending 5 September: infection rate 59.4 (113 new cases)

Week ending 29 August: infection rate 25.8 (49 cases)

Week ending 22 August: infection rate 35.2 (67 cases)

New case breakdown by neighbourhood (week ending 12 September):

Bury North: 28 cases (infection rate 65.3)

Bury East: 31 cases (84.9)

Bury West (includes Radcliffe): 41 cases (90.1)

Whitefield: 34 cases (113.2)

Prestwich: 41 cases (116.7)