THE coronavirus infection rate in Oldham has risen slightly - exceeding 700 cases per 100,000 people. 

In the latest rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 figures, Oldham continues to be the second hardest-hit area in England, with 1668 new cases in the seven days up to October 26 - equivalent to a rate of 703.5.

The week before, up to October 19, 1204 new cases were recorded, a rate of 507.8. 

Blackburn with Darwen continues to have the highest rate in England, with 1150 new cases, for a rate of 768.2.

Fellow Greater Manchester borough Wigan is third on the table, where the rate has risen from 495.0 to 687.3, with 2,259 new cases, whilst Salford and Rochdale are fourth and fifth - with rates of 610.8 and 591.7 respectively. 

Bolton comes in at the seventh highest spot, with a rate of 569.6, whilst Bury takes the ninth spot on the table with a rate of 550.8. 

Tameside has the tenth highest rate - 533.3 - whilst Manchester is at 15th, Trafford in 21st, and Stockport in 22nd. 

The list has been calculated by the PA news agency and is based on Public Health England data published on October 29 on the Government’s coronavirus dashboard.