Data from the end of last week indicates that Oldham may have passed the peak of the latest wave of Covid.

The figures from Public Health England shows that there were 116 cases recorded in the town on Sunday.

Across the last seven days there had been 1,325 positive tests in the area, which was a fall of 30 per cent on the week before this.

Nationally cases were falling, although at a smaller rate of 15.4 per cent.

Across the last week there were two deaths in Oldham which came within 28 days of a positive test for the virus, which was a fall of 60 per cent from the seven days before this.

Nationally there have been 450 deaths over the last week, which means the UK’s death rate is rising 59 per cent.

The rate of Covid per 100,000 in Oldham stands at 760, compared to 490 for the whole of the UK.

Last week this figure it 788 in Oldham, which was the highest it had ever been.

Figures also show that 145,729 people in the area had now received a first dose of the vaccine, which is 75.1 per cent of adults.

Of these 116,862 have had their second dose, which is 60.2 per cent of those eligible.

Nationally 88 per cent have had their first dose and 70.3 per cent their second, so Oldham is still lagging behind on vaccines.

After Covid rose to its highest ever level in Oldham, council leader Arooj Shah urged people to continue to protect themselves and others.

She said: “I know how hard it’s been for Oldham residents over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic.

"Everyone has made sacrifices to try and keep the infection rate down, and over the last 18 months or so we have seen tougher restrictions here than in many other parts of the country.

“But although most legal restrictions have now ended, with Coronavirus rates high and rising, now is not the time to stop protecting ourselves and each other. We know what we have to do - wear face coverings in public places, socially distance, keep getting tested and get a vaccine when you’re able to.

“It’s so important to get vaccinated and it’s easier than ever to do so.

"There are walk-in vaccination clinics open every day right across the borough, including a special walk-in clinic this Saturday in Parliament Square.

“We are Oldham and together we are stronger. It’s up to all of us to do out bit.”