The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 in Bolton has continued to fall alongside the town's infection rates.
The latest figures show a rate of 371.8 positive tests per 100,000 people in the borough, a slight drop compared to a rate of 388.1 at the same time last week.
Bolton has the highest rate of transmission in Greater Manchester and is still considerably higher than second-placed Manchester, where the rate is 125.3 cases per 100,000 people.
However, the borough no longer has the highest rates in the country, after dropping below Blackburn in yesterday's figures.
Cases of coronavrius in Bolton have been spiking since late April because of the presence of the more transmissible B.1.671.2 - a strain of the virus first discovered in Indian and now named the Delta variant.
This resulted in an increase in admissions to the Royal Bolton Hospital over the last two weeks, with a second Covid ward opened to deal with demand.
But, the number of people being treated for the virus has begun to fall over the last seven days.
There are now 39 Covid patients in Bolton, which is ten fewer than the same time last week, with eight of those currently in intensive care.
Medical chiefs at the Farnworth-based hospital issued warnings last week ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and following a busy period in A&E.
But, speaking earlier this week, Fiona Noden, chief executive of Bolton NHS Trust, said Covid-related admissions were not impacting on services.
"The number of patients we’re treating with COVID is steady and the hospital is managing well," she said.
"Please continue to come forward for care as normal, follow the guidance and get your jab as soon as you are eligible to book it."
