'Young adults' have accounted for more than half of new coronavirus infections in Bury.
As the number cases in the town continues to rise, official figures show that the majority of new infections have affected people aged between 18-39.
There were 51 confirmed new cases in the week ending 8 August – up from 38 the previous week, and 22 the week before that.
It means that the infection rate in Bury has increased for the fourth week in a row.
Transmission among households is also a main factor in driving the increase, say health and council leaders.
Coun Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is the fourth weekly rise in a row in Bury. While the overall numbers are relatively low, we are now recording more than double the number of cases we had just a fortnight ago, which is a serious cause for concern.
“Our data suggests that transmission among households is a leading cause of this increase, and cases are spread across the borough, from Ramsbottom down to Sedgley Park.
“And now we’re seeing that under-40s are the highest category of new cases.
“It’s simple – we must follow the rules or face the prospect of being put back into full-blown lockdown.”
The 7-day infection rate in Bury is now 26.8 per 100,000 population, up from 20.0 last week and 11.5 previously.
Transmission among households is also a main factor in driving the increase, say health and council leaders.
Coun Simpson added: “Our licensing officers, and the police, have been out visiting premises and households where people are allegedly breaking the law and not following the guidance, and will take enforcement action where necessary.
“But this is all about people taking individual responsibility for their actions.
"Even if you don’t care about catching the virus yourself, at least think about others who you may pass the virus to – we’ve already had 240 deaths in Bury from coronavirus, and we don’t want a single one more.”
