TODAY, Monday, marks the next step in the roadmap out of the third coronavirus lockdown.

As of this morning, the ‘stay at home’ message has ended, with Warrington Borough Council urging people to ‘stay local’ instead.

Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are now allowed, providing greater flexibility for families to see each other.

Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, have also reopened, and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

Despite the easing of restrictions, you should continue to work from home where possible.

How many new Covid-19 cases are being recorded in Warrington each week?

Although rules have been relaxed slightly, Public Health England data shows that coronavirus cases in Warrington are on the rise.

Warrington Guardian:

During the seven days up to March 21, which is the most recent period for which figures are available, 177 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the town.

This demonstrates an infection rate of 84.3 new cases per 100,000 residents, which is the 49th highest rate in England.

Comparatively, the previous week up to March 14 saw 140 new virus cases recorded at a rate of 66.7.

How is Warrington Hospital coping?

Warrington Hospital is coping rather well in terms of patient numbers.

At its peak in January, the hospital was caring for more than 240 patients that had tested positive for coronavirus.

As of Friday, bed occupancy was considerably less, with 52 Covid-positive patients receiving care.

Warrington Guardian:

Of this number, six were in intensive care.

No coronavirus deaths had been reported for 24 hours, with the virus death toll at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust remaining at 488.

The number of patients that have been discharged from hospital after beating Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic is exactly 1,900.

Is the town’s vaccination programme still progressing at pace?

Yes, very much so, as more than 90,000 residents have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

According to the latest figures released by NHS England, 91,315 first jabs have been administered in the town, which equates to 54 per cent of residents aged 16 and over.

The number of people who have had their second booster vaccine is 4,891, meaning that in total, 96,206 vaccines have been administered in Warrington since the programme began last December.

Warrington Guardian:

Looking into the statistics further, almost all residents aged 75 and above have received their first vaccinations.

Residents who are currently eligible for the vaccine are those aged 50 or over, people who have a health condition that puts them at greater risk, or anyone who is a health or social care worker or unpaid carer.

What is the council saying about the Covid situation at present?

Thara Raj, Warrington's director of public health, said: “We have all worked hard over the past 12 months to bring down the number of Covid cases in Warrington.

“However in recent weeks, as we have started to move into the roadmap out of lockdown, we have seen a rise in coronavirus cases locally.

“It is important we do not let our guard down and continue with the efforts to make sure we are not spreading the virus as we start to head out of the house more and meet people outdoors.

Warrington Guardian:

“It is so tempting to want to give your friends a welcome hug, but it is still not safe to do so.

“The restrictions are another welcome step towards normality, but we need to take things slowly as we are not out of the woods yet.

“Staying local means staying in Warrington or your local village or neighbourhood wherever possible.

“We can hopefully enjoy a few more freedoms with this set of eased restrictions, but please remember to stick to the ‘hands, face, space’ basics, and I would also encourage people to keep staying at home if they can.”