Salford has 67 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 64, bringing the cumulative total to 13,266, as the overall fall in infections continues. The seven day average of cases has decreased from 638 to 554, as has the seven day rate per 100,000 population which fell from 246.5 to 214.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, all boroughs continue to see a slight drop in seven day totals, albeit at a high rate. Cases in Manchester during the latest seven day data period were 1,266 (down from 1,358), with a rate of 229 (down from 245.6), followed by Bolton with 800 (down from 847), with a rate of 278.2 (down from 294.6), and Oldham 808 (down from 873), with a rate of 340.8 (down from 368.2).
Wigan has 889 (down from 991), with a rate of 270.5 (down from 301.5), Tameside 470 (down from 547), with a rate of 207.5 (down from 241.5), Rochdale 751 (down from 763), with a rate of 337.7 (down from 343.1), Stockport 570 (down from 601), with a rate of 194.3 (down from 204.8), Bury 536 (down from 574), with a rate of 280.6 (down from 300.5), and Trafford 370 (down from 403), with a rate of 155.9 (down from 169.8)..
There have been two new virus-related deaths announced by Salford Royal Hospital.
Meanwhile, Salford City Council has now officially admitted that the 'Operation Moonshot' saliva testing "has ended" and that the city is now one of 93 areas which have signed up to roll out locally led testing using lateral flow technology.
The Salford Star reported over a week ago that the Moonshot had ceased (see here) but now the Council has admitted the failure of the project, after refusing to disclose details on it for months...
"The aim of our trial in Salford was to see if – and how – saliva tests could practically work for mass COVID-19 testing in the community" says Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett "They were well received as an easy non-invasive test. All of those who took part can be assured that their saliva was tested with both Direct LAMP and PCR technology, making the results reliable.
"Unfortunately, timing wasn't with us for extending this pilot as testing technologies and rates of COVID-19 continued to move after the original discussions with the Department for Health and Social Care" he adds "We are now working to bring Lateral Flow testing to the city and city-region in order to provide testing in our communities.
"We accept that testing technology that is more mobile with quick results, used alongside PCR testing technology will be better suited to use in a community setting, providing the potential for regular, repeat testing of asymptomatic individuals" he explains "We remain committed to increasing COVID-19 testing in the city to contain the virus so we can resume the activities our communities hold dear. As part of this commitment we hope that Greater Manchester, as a whole, will be rolling out Lateral Flow testing to the public in line with the findings and learning from Liverpool's recent experiences."
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
