THE coronavirus infection rate in Oldham is now much lower than the UK average but public health bosses are working to increase the number of people who have had their vaccinations to protect them.

The number of people per 100,000 in the borough who had Covid-19 in the seven days up to February 3 was 491.1, significantly lower than the UK average of 864.1. 

In the seven days up to that date, there were 1,167 cases in Oldham.

There were 118 cases found in the daily figures released yesterday, Tuesday.

Across the UK, there were 66,183 cases discovered.

In the latest daily statistics, a total of 314 people were confirmed to have died after having coronavirus in the previous 28 days.

The vaccination programme continues to roll on with a total of 138.6m doses, including first, second and booster jabs, now administered to people in Britain.

In Oldham the vaccination rate is lower than the UK average as public health bosses appeal for residents to take up the offer.

A total of 77.3 per cent of people aged 12 and over in Oldham have had their first dose, less than the England average of 79.9.

The England second jab percentage is 74.5, higher than the borough rate of 71.

The booster rate in England is 57.5, less than Oldham's average of 49.1.

To drive rates up, there are four walk-in vaccination sites across Oldham.

The Dinwoodie Centre, based at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Rochdale Road, is open every day to deliver jabs from 8.30am. People can get their doses until 7.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and up to 5.30pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Milennium Centre on Featherstall Road North is open from 12pm to 7pm every Wednesday to give jabs.

The European Islamic Centre on Manchester Road is also available for walk-ins on Sundays from 12pm to 7pm.

The Greengate Jamia Masjid mosque on Greengate Street will welcome people to have their vaccinations on Friday, February 11 between 9am and 5pm.