The Covid situation in Warrington a week from roadmap step 3

A week today, the long-awaited return of fans to sports stadiums will be permitted up to 4,000 people, while entertainment venues such as cinemas will also reopen their doors.

The reopening of indoor hospitality will offer some protection from the elements after more than a month of outdoor dining, while indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will once again restart.

Ahead of step three in the Government’s roadmap, we look at the Covid-19 situation in Warrington and whether the town is ready for restrictions to relax.

How many positive cases are being recorded?

Exactly 50 coronavirus infections were recorded in Warrington over the past week, according to the latest data.

The 50 cases, identified through Public Health England lab and rapid lateral flow testing data, were recorded in the seven days up to May 2, which is the most recent for which data is available.

The coronavirus test centre at the Halliwell Jones Stadium

This demonstrates an infection rate of 23.8 cases per every 100,000 residents.

During the previous week up to April 25, 44 new cases were detected at a rate of 21.

Warrington’s rate of Covid infection is the 71st highest in England compared with all other local authority areas.

Is Warrington Hospital still coping in terms of Covid-positive patients?

NO new coronavirus-related deaths had been recorded at Warrington Hospital for a third consecutive day on Friday.

The positive news from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust meant that its virus death toll remained at 499.

Warrington Hospital

As of Friday afternoon, 24 patients at the Lovely Lane site were receiving care after testing positive for Covid-19, of which one was in the intensive care unit.

No patients had been discharged after recovering from coronavirus in the past 24 hours, with the discharge total since the start of the pandemic remaining at 1,999.

How is Warrington’s vaccination programme progressing?

More than a quarter of residents across Warrington have now received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The latest NHS data shows 49,106 people in the town had received both jabs by May 2 – the equivalent of 29 per cent of the population aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 42,233 were aged 45 and over, equating to 43 per cent of the age group.

It means that 6,873 people aged between 16 to 44 have received both doses.

In Warrington, 115,153 people have received their first jab in the town, meaning that 164,259 vaccinations have been administered in total.

What will change from Monday, May 17?

Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.

Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen. Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply – although this will be kept under review whether it is safe to increase.

Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium is preparing to host fans once again

Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).

In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include christenings and bar mitzvahs.