Key milestone as no patients with coronavirus die at Wigan's hospitals for a month

A total of 253 deaths have been recorded by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) where people had the virus.

The most recent fatality was on Thursday, July 2, with none recorded for each subsequent day.

The data from NHS England refers to the deaths of patients in hospitals in England who had either tested positive for Covid-19 or where it was mentioned on the death certificate.

It does not include people who died in other places in the borough, such as at home or in a care home.

It is a significant milestone and comes as residents across the borough adjust to new restrictions to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

The new rules, imposed across Greater Manchester as well as in parts of Lancashire and West Yorkshire, prevent two households meeting indoors or in gardens.

Speaking about the new restrictions on Friday, Prof Kate Ardern, Wigan Council’s director of public health, said: “Although in Wigan borough our new infection rates have remained very low in comparison to our neighbours, it is important that the whole region follows these new measures together.

“Viruses do not stop at boundaries and we are next to a number of boroughs with higher community transmission rates. By not complying with the new rules, we could undo all of the good work and sacrifices we have already made to contain and live with Covid-19.

“It is imperative we adhere to this preventative measure so we can maintain our good position and to protect ourselves and others. We cannot be complacent.”

A total of 2,184 positive cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the borough, according to Government data.

This equates to 669.8 cases per 100,000 residents, placing Wigan 19th in the country.

The highest rates are in Leicester, with 1,403.6 cases per 100,000 people, and in Blackburn with Darwen (952.0).

On Saturday, the Post reported Leigh East and Higher Folds had suffered more deaths linked to coronavirus than any other areas of the borough.

Public health experts said it was likely due to the number and size of care homes for vulnerable and elderly residents in that area.