An area of Stockport currently has the highest rate of coronavirus cases in Greater Manchester, the latest figures show.
It comes as a government minister urged people to be 'sensible' and for those eligible for a booster to come forward and get jabbed with cases again rising across the UK.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that around one in 50 people in England had Covid in the week ending September 26 – up by a quarter – with more than 9,500 patients in hospital with the virus.
READ MORE: Government issues warning to anyone going to visit elderly relatives as coronavirus rates rise
One area in our region currently has a rate of above 300 cases per 100,000 of population. That is Brinnington in Stockport, which recorded 24 new cases in the seven day period ending October 1, giving it a total of 26 cases and a rate of 342.1.
The rate in two other areas is also currently above 200. Droylsden Central in Tameside currently has 23 cases, up by 15 or 187.5pc in the past week, giving it a rate of 244.8.
Swinton Worsley Road in Salford, which recorded 21 cases, has a rate of 218.9. Three others; Bramhall South & Woodford in Stockport (185.7), Tyldesley South in Wigan (179.8) and Redvales and Hollins in Bury (165.8) also have rates over 150.
This week, Dr Mary Ramsay, from the UK Health Security Agency, said the rises have coincided with people returning from their summer holidays and children going back to school.
Her colleague at the agency, chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins, warned that with cases and hospitalisation rates at their "highest level in months," people need to help protect the most vulnerable.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Nadeem Zahawi was today (Sunday) asked if the Government is advising people to be careful about visiting elderly or vulnerable relatives following comments to that effect by Dr Hopkins.
“Well, we have to be careful. I was the vaccine deployment minister and I’ll be getting my booster I hope in the coming weeks as well because I’m over 55" Mr Zahawi told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
He encouraged eligible people to get their jabs, adding: “Number one, if you have elderly relatives or vulnerable people get them boosted.
“Two, be sensible. Get yourself boosted, if you’re eligible, as quickly as possible.
“We’ve bought the Moderna which protects you against both Covid and flu, which is a good thing, so get that boost in place, but be sensible about these things – that’s the message.”
More than 5.5 million Autumn boosters have so far been administered by the NHS. But a total of 6.6 million million people who are most vulnerable to serious illness from Covid because they are either over 75, have suppressed immune systems, are pregnant, have a learning disability or another health issue are yet to be jabbed and will be sent reminders to book in as soon as possible.
Top 10 Coronavirus hotspots in Greater Manchester
Brinnington (Stockport)
Total Cases: 26 (Up by 24 or 1,200pc)
Case rate: 342.1
Droylsden Central (Tameside)
Total cases: 23 (Up by 15 or 187.5pc)
Case Rate: 244.8
Swinton Worsley Road (Salford)
Total Cases: 21 (Up by 14 or 200pc)
Case Rate: 218.9
Bramhall South & Woodford (Stockport)
Total cases: 11 (Up by 8 or 266.7pc)
Case Rate: 185.7
Tyldesley South (Wigan)
Total cases: 15 (Up by 5 or 50pc)
Case rate: 179.8
Redvales and Hollins (Bury)
Total cases: 11 (Up by 7 or 175pc)
Case rate: 165.8
Ellenbrook & Boothstown (Salford)
Total Cases: 16 (Up by 8 or 100pc)
Case rate: 153.7
Ashton upon Mersey South (Trafford)
Total cases: 12
Case rate: 147.8
Horwich East (Bolton)
Total Cases: 9 (Down by 2 or 18.2pc)
Case Rate: 146.9
Hooley Bridge and Norden West
Total cases: 9 (Up by 6 or 200pc)
Case rate: 146.1
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