A WEEK today the Government will announce if all coronavirus restrictions will ease as planned on June 21.

But with the so-called Indian variant now dominant in England, the Government is still to decide if it will stick to its roadmap.

So what is the current situation in Warrington?

How many new cases are there?

At the end of last month, health bosses confirmed the Delta variant (once known as the Indian variant) was in Warrington.

Since then, cases have risen dramatically.

As of the last count, 53 people tested positive in the past week, compared to 16 in the comparable seven days.

That is a rate of 25.2 per 100,000 people.

Still very low compared to the peaks of January and February.

But much higher than a week ago.

How about in schools?

Only three schools are currently affected.

It means 15 pupils are self-isolating.

What is the hospital like?

Warrington Hospital is no longer publishing the number of patients it cares for.

But there have been no deaths since early May.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Hospital

According to figures, 497 people have died at Warrington since the start of the pandemic last year.

How is vaccination going?

Half of all residents in Warrington have now received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, latest figures reveal.

NHS data shows 85,282 people had received both jabs by May 30, which is the equivalent to 50 per cent of the town’s population aged 16 and over.

Since the town’s vaccination programme began in December, a total of 215,568 vaccinations have been completed.

This figure includes 130,286 first doses - 76 per cent of Warrington residents aged 16 and above.

What do they say?

Thara Raj, Warrington's director of public health, said: “The evidence is showing that in Warrington, Covid-19 cases appear to be quickly increasing.

“It is important to remember the hands, face, space and fresh air rules are there for a reason, and that is because they have proven to be effective in lowering the number of coronavirus cases in our area.

“Simple steps like getting a regular test, self-isolating when you feel unwell and getting vaccinated when invited will help also to restrict any further transmission by isolating it at the source.

“It falls to every resident to act now and do what they can to stop the number of positive cases increasing any further.”