A HEALTH boss has urged people in Bury to stay at home as much as they can as the coronavirus reinfection number rises in the region.

The ‘R’ number in the North West is now 1.01 – the highest in England.

This means every infectious individual is transmitting the virus to more than one person on average, raising the risk of another peak in the pandemic.

Dr Jeff Schryer, chairman of Bury Clinical Commissioning Group said: 'People’s behaviour is critical to get the R rate below 1.

"Stay At Home in household groups as much as possible

"Maintain social distancing when out

"Wear face coverings in closed spaces and regularly wash your hands."

The region’s ‘R’ number – one of the government’s key tests for easing restrictions – is at 1.01 new cases from each Covid-19 victim – the highest in England.

The new figures follow an expert analysis of coronavirus infection rates which showed a North/South divide with new cases in the North-West the highest in the UK.

Dr Andrew Furber, PHE’s North-West Regional Director, said: “We know here in the North West, we experienced a peak in cases later than the majority of other areas.

“We need to ensure all our communities continue to follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation.

"As lockdown measures are eased across the country, it is vitally important we do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.”