The latest data has shown that coronavirus (COVID-19) infection rates in Greater Manchester are 65% lower than when the region was first placed under Tier 3 restrictions.
Rates have fallen fastest in Salford, where they have gone down by 76% in the last six weeks.
Across the Greater Manchester region, the number of cases has fallen far quicker than in the rest of the country, with a 30% in England as a whole, and it means that the infection rate in the region is now only slightly above the national average.
These new statistics arrive as England’s second national lockdown has come to an end, and a return to the government’s new “tougher” three tiered regional system has commenced.
Greater Manchester entered into Tier 3 restrictions as of Wednesday 2nd December.
At the time of entering into the first round of Tier 3 restrictions, the rate for the region as a whole was 547.5 cases per 100,000 people and was still going up, but that rise began to slow down in the following days and by the time the national lockdown was introduced on 5th November, the region’s rates were beginning to show a downward trend.
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This trend accelerated rapidly in the last four weeks.
As we move into the tiering system, we should all keep trying to suppress the spread of #COVID19.
Every action counts when it comes to protecting ourselves and our loves ones from coronavirus.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 2, 2020
The number of cases has dropped by three quarters in Salford, falling from 643.6 to below the England average at 157 cases per 100,000 people, with Trafford seeing the second largest drop of 72% over the same time period and is also now below the national average.
Rochdale – which currently has the highest infection rate in Greater Manchester – has had the slowest fall in cases, but has still seen a drop by 55% since original Tier 3 restrictions first came into effect.
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Most areas in Greater Manchester reached peak levels around the end of October and first week of November.
Manchester recorded the highest infection rate of any area in the region – 812.2 per 100,000 – which came a few weeks earlier on 3rd October when there was a large number of cases detected among the student population, and Oldham is the only other area to post a weekly infection rate above 800, which was on 4th November.
Mark WaughMark Waugh
In England as a whole, rates have fallen by just 30% since 23rd October, but rates were much lower in the rest of the country at that point.
This new data follows the news that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use, with the Department of Health and Social Care confirming it has been given the go-ahead by the health regulator MHRA for the vaccine to become administered from next week.
Pfizer and BioNTech reported final trial results on 18th November, showing its vaccine was 95% effective in preventing coronavirus (COVID-19), with no major safety concerns.
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Studies have shown the jab works in all age groups.
Greater Manchester leaders believe the fall in cases mean the region should be placed in Tier 2 when the current tiers are first reviewed on 16th December.
For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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News
Kids can now travel on Greater Manchester buses for FREE all summer long
Emily Sergeant
Young people across Greater Manchester will benefit from unlimited free bus travel this summer.
As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign – which was announced back in May – Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has revealed that all children aged five to 15 can travel for free in England, including on Bee Network bus services, during the school summer holidays throughout August.
Not only that, but 16-year-olds will be able to activate their ‘Our Pass’ one month earlier (from 1 August instead of 1 September), giving them an extra month of free bus and cheaper tram travel.
The move means that all young people in Greater Manchester will be entitled to free bus travel for the whole month.
Children under five already get to travel for free on the Bee Network all year round.
From 1-31 August, children aged 5-15 can travel FREE on all #BeeNetwork buses across Greater Manchester as part of the government’s Great British Savings scheme.
And if you’re turning 16? You can activate your @OurPassGM a month early from 1 August, unlocking free bus travel and… pic.twitter.com/BM9vIEnNfH
The Great British Summer Savings scheme has introduced a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – on things like travel, children’s meals in restaurants, and family leisure activities over the summer period.
The Government says the aim of the initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
No registration or sign-up is required to benefit from the Summer Savings scheme on the Bee Network, TfGM confirmed, with anyone aged between five and 15 instructed to just ask the driver for a free ticket as they board the bus.
“We’re pleased to be taking part in the Greater British Summer Savings scheme which will mean free bus travel on the Bee Network for everyone aged five to 15 in August,” commented Fran Wilkinson, who is the Customer and Growth Director at TfGM.
“This will help make days out more affordable for families this summer.
“The Bee Network is all about making it easier and more affordable to get around Greater Manchester and this national scheme will help us do just that.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Andy Burnham announces ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system
Emily Sergeant
The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
Andy Burnham says he is ‘determined’ to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called ‘dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with ‘valuable’ early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.
Building on successful local initiatives – such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham here in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor – the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.
It will aim to ‘skill them up’ with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
Andy Burnham has announced ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, Maths, and Science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.
During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.
To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.
This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected,” explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
The Manc -
3rd December 2020 
