COVID cases in Oldham fall, in 'Best set of results since September'.

The rate of people in Oldham testing positive for COVID has more than halved since last month, according to the latest figures. 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the latest statistics for the whole of the region as: “The best set of results we’ve been presented with, since last September.”

The number of positive cases per 100,000 people tested in Oldham was 78.9, as at the end of last week, March 5.

This compares to 182.6, per 100,000 as of the week ending February 12, 2021. 

In a briefing on the emergency response to the pandemic, Mr Burnham said: “The light at the end of the tunnel just got a little bit brighter.

“It’s tempting to want to speed things up, but we still need a steady as we go approach.

“Our figures are mirroring the progress of the rest of the country.”

The statistics show that Greater Manchester is still seeing a higher rate of cases than the national average for COVID.  

But on the whole, they indicated that lockdown had been working. 

There has been a decrease in people contracting the virus across all age ranges, but particularly among the over 70s.  This is thought to be because of the success in vaccination, among the older age range. 

There is currently a stable case rate for COVID in care homes. 

Weekly admissions to hospitals are also falling. But there is still a relatively high number of patients receiving intensive care treatment.

There has been an increase in the number of tests taking place, with a return to schools. 

Mr Burnham said: “We’re concerned that there might be a jump in case rates, as we see schools return.

“We need some time for the new testing system and schools return to bed in, to see whether that happens.”

The number of vaccinations across the whole of Greater Manchester will hit 1 million, either today or tomorrow, Thursday March 11.

Second doses of the vaccine are also due to start over the next week or so. 

Mr Burnham added: “Let’s make this the last lockdown.  

“Thank you to the public of Greater Manchester and the incredible NHS staff, who have been working tirelessly to help fight the virus.”

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