WARRINGTON Borough Council is urging all residents to ‘play their part’ to reverse the growing number of coronavirus cases being recorded in the town.

The latest coronavirus figures for Warrington show 125 new confirmed cases over a seven-day period.

The council says that this increase shows a ‘sustained, upwards trend’, with cases being confirmed in pubs, hospitality settings, and schools.

And it says it is working closely with venues, schools and Public Health England to prevent the further spread of the virus through NHS Test and Trace.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health, said: “The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Warrington has been increasing over the last few weeks, so we are urging residents to think about the impact of coronavirus on other people, as well as the risk to themselves.

“We are aware that there are small numbers of confirmed cases in some hospitality venues and schools, and we are working closely with the affected venues, and Public Health England, to identify anyone who may have potentially been exposed to prevent the further spread of the virus.

“As cases are confirmed, all those who may have been in contact with people who have tested positive, or an affected venue, are being traced and advised to self-isolate for 14 days, and get tested if they have symptoms.

“We are still learning to live with coronavirus and have to be ready to adapt to changing government guidance to keep ourselves and others safe.”

New rules restricting social gatherings to a maximum of six people will come into place in England from Monday, with some exceptions.

And as well as following this, the council is urging residents to continue washing hands regularly for 20 seconds, wearing a face covering in settings where social distancing may be difficult and keeping a safe distance from people who do not live in the same household.

“If you have any symptoms, however mild, please self-isolate and book a test immediately,” Cllr McLaughlin continued.

“This will help prevent the spread of the virus and will protect others, particularly those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, from becoming extremely unwell.

“We still want people to be able to go out for dinner, or shopping, or to the pub, but while we continue to we enjoy this freedom, it is absolutely vital that we do all we can to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

“This includes giving your contact details in restaurants and other settings, when asked, to help support local testing and tracing.

“If we all play our part to prevent the spread of the virus by following the guidance it will help to prevent further restrictions from being imposed.”

To find out more about coronavirus testing and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus

If you have any concerns about coronavirus safety in any setting, you can report it via the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/back-in-business