More than 70 people with Covid-19 were being cared for in hospital in Bolton over Christmas, figures show.

The data from NHS England shows that 75 people in the borough were being treated for the virus in Bolton by 8am on December 28.

This marks an increase of around 20 compared to the week before and comes following advice from the council and other bodies for people to remain cautious to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A statement from Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: “Over the last two years of coronavirus, we have all done our bit to keep each other safe.

“The government has announced that we are now in the strongest possible position to remove the remaining restrictions to our lives, and learn how to live with Covid.

“But while we move back towards normality, it is important to remember that Covid’s still here.

"The virus' impacts on our health, wealth and wellbeing continue to be felt, and some people remain particularly at risk.

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“So we’re urging people across Greater Manchester to keep doing the right thing by each other. By keeping up our safe behaviours, even if fully vaccinated.”

The figures also show that 35 new Covid patients were admitted to hospital in Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in the week to December 26.

This was down from 38 in the previous seven days.