TODAY marks the start of the final week of January.

And it is three weeks since the start of the latest national lockdown.

Schools are shut to all but key worker children, people have been told to work at home and pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops are only open for click and collect or takeaway.

So what is the situation in Warrington?

The rates of new cases of coronavirus is at the lowest level of 2021 so far.

The latest numbers from Public Health England shows 1,030 people tested positive in the past seven days.

That is a case rate of 490.4 per 100,000 people.

That is still far higher than most of 2020, but it is also down on a peak of almost 800 cases per 100,000 people earlier this month.

14,365 people have now tested positive since the start of the pandemic.

What is the situation at Warrington Hospital?

As of Friday, 220 patients were being treated at Warrington Hospital - around 50 per cent of beds.

And 27 are in intensive care.

The peak of 243 was reached on Tuesday.

But 220 is still far beyond the 120 high of the first wave on Easter Sunday and 170 of November in the second wave.

Since the start of the pandemic in November, sadly 372 patients have died.

How about vaccinations?

Most are taking place at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and Orford Hub.

Some people are being invited to the rugby grounds of St Helens or Widnes.

Most over 80s have been vaccinated and now people over 70 are being contacted.

More than 17,000 people have now had their first dose.

All care home residents have also had a first jab.

Can I get tested?

Testing sites at Grappenhall Cricket Club and the Halliwell Jones Stadium are for people showing no coronavirus symptoms.

Those who can attend are key workers who cannot work from home or those providing care.

Tests will be returned within half an hour.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate at home immediately and book a test via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test