Oldham's 7-day Covid rate falls again

The 7-day infection rate in Oldham is down

The number of positive Covid cases in Oldham has fallen again.

The latest statistics show that the 7-day rate in the borough is now at 318 (per 100,000 population).

That is a drop of 15.6% from the last comparable 7 day period.

It's a long way from the peak of infections in November 2020 when the 7-day rate rose to over 800.

The data also shows that the under 60s are still most likely to become infected.

The figures come as the Government announced that 4,062,501 people in the UK have received at least a first dose of a Covid vaccine.

However, Dr Andrew Furber, North West Regional Director of Public Health at Public Health England warned against complacency asked the public to follow the rules and stay home as much as possible to help save lives.

"Whilst it is encouraging that vaccines are now being rolled out, people must not become complacent by thinking this pandemic is nearing the end. We have a long way to go.

"By keeping our contacts low, we reduce the number of opportunities for the virus to spread. I know this can be very hard, but it is an unfortunate scientific fact that this virus thrives on humans making social contact with one another."

Last week, Oldham Council began testing for key-workers in the town with no symptoms.  Four sites are now operating across the town at:

Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre, High St, Shaw
Failsworth Town Hall, Oldham Road, Failsworth
Oldham Community Leisure Centre, Middleton Road, Oldham Town Centre
Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth

No appointment is needed, however people will need to being identification which confirms their place of work or status as a key worker.

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