Oldham one of only four areas in the UK where Covid cases have risen

Oldham's infection rate is still one of the lowest in the country

The latest Government figures from Public Health England (PHE) show the number of cases have fallen or remained static across the country, with cases in Melton, East Lindsey, Derbyshire Dales and Oldham.

The figures show a small rise in Oldham of 1.5%, the lowest rise of the four areas.

East Lindsey has seen a rise of 28%, and Melton has seen an increase of 17.1%.  Derbyshire Dales figures show an upturn of 1.2%.

The number of new cases in Oldham over a 7 day rolling period is 257.3.

The other nine boroughs of Greater Manchester show drops in infection rates, with Trafford recording a drop of 22%.

Oldham still, however, has the lowest rate across Greater Manchester after Trafford, and is significantly lower than the England rate.

The news comes as research on the Oxford-Astrazenica vaccine suggests it may reduce the spread of the virus.

Analysis shows that the vaccine may have a substantial effect on coronavirus transmission, with a 67% reduction in positive swabs among those who have been vaccinated.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock called the study "encouraging" as he thanked the teams at Oxford University and Astrazenica.  He added: "Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic & we are making fantastic progress vaccinating the most vulnerable."

The number of first dose vaccinations given to Oldham registered patients is 37,591.

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