Star date: 10th February 2021

'I'M STILL STANDING' SINGS ELTON AFTER HIS JAB

Salford has 65 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 54, but still well below recent numbers. The seven day rate per 100,000 now stands at 274.7, up from 260.4, and, unfortunately there have been a further three deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, Elton John and Michael Caine have teamed up to film a short, very funny video urging people to have the vaccination..."It helps protect ourselves and the people we love", says Elton who sends himself up mercilessly in the film.

Full details here...

Salford has 65 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 54, bringing the cumulative total to 20,523. The seven day average of cases in Salford has increased to 711, up from 674, while the seven day rate per 100,000 population now stands at 274.7, up from 260.4.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, the seven day average of cases in Bury is 387 (down from 393), with a seven day rate per 100,000 population of 202.6 (down from 205.8); Bolton 800 (up from 792), with a rate of 278.2 (up from 275.4); Manchester 1,500 (up from 1,491), with a rate of 271.3 (up from 269.7); and Oldham 531 (up from 523), with a rate of 223.9 (up from 220.6).
 
Rochdale has a seven day average of cases of 524 (down from 540), with a seven day rate of 235.6 (down from 242.8); Stockport 699 (down from 721), with a rate of 238.2 (down from 245.7); Tameside 448 (down from 488), with a rate of 197.8 (down from 215.5); Trafford 464 (up from 462), with a rate of 195.5 (up from 194.6); and Wigan 777 (down from 804), with a rate of 236.4 (down from 244.6).
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There have been three new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Caine have teamed up with the NHS to film a really funny short video promoting the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Organised by Lord Ara Darzi, who leads Imperial REACT COVID Surveillance Study Group, the film shows Elton auditioning for an vaccine promo advert and failing horrifically, even though he sings 'I'm still standing' after having the jab.

"I wanted to take part in this film to help show people the benefits of getting vaccinated and how it helps protect ourselves and the people we love" says Elton, 73 "So, I hope we can all come together and do our bit in the fight against this wretched disease. The more people in society who get vaccinated, the more chance there is of eradicating the national COVID pandemic. It's really important to know that the vaccines have all been through and met the necessary safety and quality standards."

Michael Caine, 87, says in the film that the vaccine "didn't hurt", adding his catch phrase: "Not many people know that."

Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS says: "Well over nine out of ten people aged 75 and over have already taken up the offer of their NHS COVID vaccination, and now we want to encourage everyone in the high priority groups to do so.

"That's why we're grateful to Sir Elton and Sir Michael for helping the NHS promote vaccine uptake, building on the fast and efficient programme to date, which has seen the NHS already vaccinate 1 in 4 adults across England."

The short video has been posted on the Salford Star You Tube Channel – click here to watch it

Finally, surge testing is taking place in some areas of the M14, MI5 and M16 postcodes in Greater Manchester, which is around Hulme and Whalley Range where a 'COVID 19 variant' has been found (see graphic for details)