The rate of new coronavirus infections in Wigan has reached above 100 for every 100,000 people for the first time since the first wave of the pandemic.
Figures from Public Health England show there were 335 confirmed cases in the town in the last week as the rise in infections continues across Greater Manchester.
There have not been this many recorded in a single week since late April.
Despite this increase, Wigan residents are still subject to the least strict lockdown measures in the region after the borough was removed from the Greater Manchester-wide restrictions on August 26.
The number of new cases remained low for some time after the rules were eased but has risen at an alarming rate in the last few weeks.
Both Stockport (66) and Trafford (59) now have lower rates of infection but the number of positive tests is also rising in these areas.
Wigan's infection rate is well above the England national average of 32.7 cases for every 100,000 people and has long since passed the 'red zone' of 50 cases, which the government had set as a limit to trigger a possible local lockdown.
Neighbouring Bolton remains the area with the highest infection rate in Greater Manchester, with 601 new cases in the last week leading to a rate of 209 infections per 100,000 people.
Bury is second with a rate of 155.5 and Manchester third at 145.1.
Today the Prime Minsiter has announced new rules, including ordering hospitality venues to close by 10pm.
Boris Johnson said the UK was at a 'perilous turning point' and that people would need to change their behaviour in order to stop a second wave of coronavirus.
