CORONAVIRUS infection in Bolton is doubling every four days and the rate per 100,000 people has passed 210, figures have revealed.

Statistics shared with The Bolton News have revealed that the covid-19 rate in the borough is 212.7 cases per 100,000 residents.

The seven-day rolling rate is 267 tests per 100,000, according to the data.

A total of 60 per cent of new cases are aged over 65.

There are currently 32 people being treated at The Royal Bolton Hospital.

The figures recorded are up to yesterday afternoon, Wednesday.

Earlier this week it was reported that the number of people being admitted to hospital in Bolton with confirmed or suspected coronavirus is rising — with an increase in the number of 40 and 50-year-olds being treated.

The hospital says it experienced an increase in the number of "covid patients" over last weekend as a result of a sharp increase in the infection rate in the borough.

Hospital chiefs also said they were seeing an increased number of patients under 65 being admitted, with some in their in 40s and 50s, a significantly younger age group than at the peak of the pandemic in April and May.

Dr Francis Andrews, medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are seeing more people being admitted with confirmed or suspected covid-19 as a result of the very high rate of infections in Bolton.

“This is not a shift we want to see.

"The situation at the hospital is under control and we were well prepared for this.

"However the rate continuing to rise is of concern, and we continue to urge the people of Bolton to consider others when making decisions that could jeopardise their safety."