Star date: 24th December 2020

GREATER MANCHESTER INFECTION RATES UP BUT NO 'WILDFIRE' GROWTH

Salford has 95 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 94, as the seven day rate per 100,000 population stands at 179.7, up from 168.1. While Salford's case rate increases, in Greater Manchester as a whole, three boroughs have seen decreases, and we're not yet seeing the 'wildfire' growth of the virus that other areas are experiencing. There have been five new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, Salford's Director of Public Health has given out Christmas Day safety advice..."Stick to games like quizzes rather than cards or board games" etc.

Full details here...

Salford has 95 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 94, bringing the cumulative total to 14,728. The seven day average of cases has increased to 465, up from 435, as has the seven day rate per 100,000 population which stands at 179.7, up from 168.1.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, cases in Manchester during the latest seven day data period were 1,018 (up from 968), with a rate of 184.1 (up from 175.1), followed by Bolton with 448 (up from 433), with a rate of 155.8 (up from 150.6) and Oldham 473 (down from 479), with a rate of 199.5 (down from 202).

Wigan has a seven day case number of 516 (down from 543), with a rate of 157 (down from 165.2), Tameside 285 (up from 269), with a rate of 125.8 (up from 118.8), Rochdale 457 (down from 466), with a rate of 205.5 (down from 209.5), Stockport 366 (up from 348), with a rate of 124.7 (up from 118.6), Bury 373 (up from 368), with a rate of 195.3 (up from 192.7) and Trafford 384 (up from 352), with a rate of 161.8 (up from 148.3).

While Salford's case rate increases, in Greater Manchester as a whole, three boroughs (Rochdale, Oldham and Wigan) have seen decreases, and we're not yet seeing the 'wildfire' growth of the virus that other areas are experiencing.

There have been five new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, Salford's Director of Public Health, Dr Muna Abdel-Aziz, has provided advice for Christmas Day festivities, explaining that "Now is the time to follow even more carefully the guidance on face coverings, social distancing and hand hygiene so you and your loved ones can stay well this winter.

"You should limit your contact with other people as much as possible to reduce the chance of picking up the virus before Christmas" she adds "The virus doesn't know it is Christmas..."

For Christmas Day itself, Dr Muna Abdel-Aziz advises...

• Keep your time together short (in time) and small (in number)

• Consider your seating plan and use the whole room to stay as far apart as possible from each other

• Keep on your face covering as long as possible, for example only removing it for eating or drinking

• Keep the room ventilated while you are together, with some windows open

• Serve portions and avoid passing round food dishes or bottles
   
• Stick to games like quizzes rather than cards or board games
   
• Wash hands frequently and put hand sanitiser bottles out

• Keep hugs this year to those you live with

• Play music rather than singing or shouting along, as droplets travel

Salford's test centres will be open on Christmas Day for anyone needing a test but there may be reduced opening hours so check times