THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in the borough over the past three days was 887, official figures show.

Public Health England figures show that 887 COVID-19 cases were recorded in Wigan borough over Saturday, Sunday and Monday's figures.

This compares with 717 cases recorded during the same period last week.

The health body is now including Pillar Two tests – those carried out in the wider community – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government's mass testing programme.

The area was placed under the highest Tier Three restrictions last week following an intense political row.

The overall rate of infection in Wigan borough since the start of the pandemic now stands at 2,763 cases per 100,000 people, more than double the England average of 1,346.9.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 63,692 over the period to 894,690.

Wigan borough's cases were among the 189,805 recorded across the North West, a figure which rose by 13,620 over the period.

Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, asymptomatic, have recovered and those that have died.