MORE than 1,000 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded across the borough in a week – as 33 areas saw a rise in infections.

New figures reveal the number of cases reported across Bolton has soared significantly, with 1,018 new infections recorded from December 30 to January 5.

The week before, 603 new cases were reported, with infections up by two thirds across the borough.

There are just two areas – Harper Green and Lever Edge, that did not see a dramatic rise in infections during that week.

The number of new cases reported in Harper Green kept stable at 17, whilst new infections across Lever Edge dropped massively, with nine new cases recorded instead of the 26 seen the week before.

Little Lever saw the highest number of new cases, with 56 residents infected – up from 28 new cases the week before.

Lynne Donkin, Bolton Council’s Assistant Director of Public Health said: “We are seeing a worryingly steep rise in cases in Bolton at the current time.

"The virus is spreading through contacts between people. We all need to follow the rules to reduce the number of contacts we have.

"Stay at home. Only leave if you need to get essential supplies, to do your daily exercise or to go to work if you can’t work from home.

"If you do need to leave home you, keep two metres away from anyone you meet, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and wear a face covering.” 

Breightmet South and Darcy Lever had the second highest new infections, with 44 new cases recorded, up from 13.

Blackrod and Butterwick Fields, and Bromley Cross and Bradshaw followed close behind, with 43 new cases each, up from 21 and 23 respectively.

Lever Edge reported the lowest number of new cases, with just nine new infections.

Rumworth North and Daubhill and Fernhill Gate were both towards the bottom of the list, seeing 15 and 16 new cases respectively.

Last week, ending December 29, saw Westhoughton East reporting the highest number of infections, at 29.

Whilst many areas saw infections soar, Over Hulton, Rumworth South, Farnworth North, Astley Bridge and Waters Meeting, Highfield and New Bury, and Tonge all saw rates rise by five cases or fewer.

The data has been extracted from a map, which uses figures from Public Health England to detail each confirmed case of coronavirus by Middle Super Output Area, sections of around 7,200 people.

All 35 of Bolton’s neighbourhoods have now reported three or more infections of the virus every week for almost four months