Omicron is on the rise fast as scientists warn on restrictions

New measures ‘may not be enough’ but mayor says we have ‘more ability than before to protect ourselves from what’s coming.’

- HELENA VESTY

OMICRON cases have risen sharply over the last month in Greater Manchester, the latest figures reveal.

There are now almost 100 confirmed or probable cases of the new stain of coronavirus in the region - a large increase from the two recorded at beginning of November.

The numbers come as Greater Manchester’s leaders warn that Omicron is ‘doubling every two to three days in our communities’ and the country has been placed into tougher restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread.

At the start of last month, when the data begins, only Bolton and Rochdale were recording one suspected case of Omicron each, according to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency.

The low numbers continued throughout November, before rapidly rising at the end of the month.

From a minimal number of suspected cases, by November 29, Manchester was recording five confirmed cases and 32 probable bouts - appearing to be among the boroughs in the region worst affected by the variant so far.

The number of cases has now risen across all the boroughs in Greater Manchester, with Manchester borough again coming in with the highest figures as of December 6 - the latest data published.

• Manchester - one confirmed case, 25 probable cases

• Stockport - 17 probable cases

• Trafford - 16 probable cases

• Salford - 12 probable cases

•Bolton - 11 probable cases