THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in the borough increased by 717 over the weekend, official figures say amid the ongoing row over restrictions in the Greater Manchester region.

Public Health England figures show that 717 cases were confirmed in Wigan borough over Saturday, Sunday and Monday's figures.

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

Leigh and its surrounding areas, along with the whole of Greater Manchester, were placed under the second tier of coronavirus restrictions last week.

Restrictions include people not socialising with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

However, an intense political row has erupted between regional and national leaders over the prospect of the Greater Manchester being moved up to Tier Three.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said the region "stands firm" in its decision to oppose being moved in Tier Three lockdown restrictions, after he threatened legal action if the step was taken without the consent of local leaders.

The prime Minister has threatened to intervene if an agreement is not reached.

In the Wigan borough overall, 7,006 people have been confirmed as testing positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

This means the overall rate of infection in the borough now stands at 2,132 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the England average of 1,118.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 51,955 over the period to 741,212.

Wigan borough's cases were among the 157,193 recorded across the North West, a figure which rose by 13,557 over the period..

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