NEW coronavirus cases confirmed in Bury have increased for the fifth week in a row.

Latest figures reveal that there were 63 confirmed new cases in the week ending August 15 – up from 51 the previous week, and 38 the week before that.

People aged 18 to 39 are still accounting for more than half of those who test positive.

The largest number of new cases was recorded in the Bury West ­— which includes Radcliffe ­— although cases are spread out across the borough.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is the fifth weekly rise in a row in Bury.

"While the overall numbers are relatively low, we are now recording nearly double the number of cases we had just a fortnight ago, which is a serious cause for concern."

Bury's seven-day infection rate is now 33.1 per 100,000 population, up from 26.8 last week and 20.0 previously.

This means the rate of new cases in Bury is now just below the average rate for Greater Manchester ­— but more than double the average for England.

To help prevent the spread of the virus people are being reminded that household transmission remains one of the most critical sources of new infections.

This is because people are passing on the virus they have caught in the community to their families and friends.

Cllr Simpson continued: “We must all take responsibility for our own actions.

"I urge everyone ­— residents, families and businesses ­— to follow the rules or face the prospect of being put back into lockdown.”

Covid-19 guidance for people in Bury and Greater Manchester states:

  • 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.
  • Wash your hands frequently and stay two metres apart wherever possible.