THERE has been another sharp drop in the number of people catching coronavirus in Warrington.

Despite a relaxing of restrictions and greater testing, just 72 people tested positive in the past seven days.

That is at a rate of 34.3 people per 100,000.

The week before, 133 people tested positive in Warrington at a rate of 63.3.

The figures are the lowest they have been since last summer.

They are also now below the England average.

There are currently 43 patients in Warrington Hospital, six in intensive care.

Almost 18,000 people in Warrington have tested positive for coronavirus since the start of the pandemic more than a year ago.