The number of cases of Covid in Oldham is continuing to rise – even as the numbers are falling nationally.

The latest figures from Public Health England show there were 79 positive tests in the town today.

Over the last week there have been 799 cases found in the area, representing a rise of 9.2 per cent from the week before this.

Nationally cases are dropping at a rate of 8.4 per cent.

The rate of Covid per 100,000 people in Oldham stands at 344.2, which is still below the UK average of 385.9.

The latest figures comes as it was reported Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “dead set” against another lockdown but is expected to explain how to live with the virus during the winter months.

There have been five deaths in Oldham in the last week which came within 28 days of a positive test for the virus, which is a fall of 16.7 per cent from the seven previous days.

Across the UK there were 61 deaths today and the death rate is going up at a rate of 25.1 per cent.

The R Rate in the north west region is estimated to be between 0.9 and 1.1.

When this figure is below one the virus dies out eventually.

However when it is above one it rises exponentially, so it is unclear whether the virus is spreading in this region.

Figures show 152,801 people in Oldham have now had a first dose of the vaccine, which is 76 per cent of those aged 16 and above.

Of these 136,983 have had a second dose to become fully vaccinated, which is 68.1 per cent of those eligible.

Across the country as a whole 89.1 per cent of those aged 16 and over had had a first dose and 81 per cent have had a second dose.

The figures mean a higher per cent of those eligible have had both doses nationally than the amount who have had a first dose in Oldham.

The chief medical officers have recently recommended children between 12 and 15 are offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine, based on the impact it would have on their education.