FREEDOM Day has been and gone in Warrington as we take a step closer to normality.

All legal restrictions on social contact have been removed, although people are still being urged to wear masks in crowded places where ventilation is not good and on public transport.

Despite restrictions easing, case numbers and infection rates continue to rise across the country.

We take a look at the current coronavirus situation in Warrington, including case figures, vaccination statistics and the pressure on Warrington Hospital.

How many cases are being recorded in the town each week?

More than 1,400 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Warrington over the past week, latest figures show.

Public Health England data for the week up to July 18, which is the most recent period for which data is available, shows 1,418 new infections were detected in the town through lab and rapid lateral flow testing.

This demonstrates an infection rate of 675.2 cases per every 100,000 residents, which is the 52nd highest rate in England compared with all other local authority areas.

Comparatively, the previous seven-day period saw 951 new cases recorded at a rate of 452.8.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington is among 310 of 315 local areas in England that have seen a week-on-week rise in rates (98 per cent), while five have seen a fall (two per cent).

How is Warrington Hospital coping?

As of Friday afternoon, 24 beds at Warrington Hospital were occupied by patients that have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 14 days or less.

Of this number, six were in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

One more patient had been discharged from the hospital after recovering from the virus.

This took the hospital’s Covid-19 discharge total since the start of the pandemic to 2,087

No new Covid deaths had been recorded in the past 24 hours, with the death toll at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust remaining at 506.

Is the vaccination programme still progressing at pace?

More than two-thirds of Warrington residents have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, latest figures reveal.

Warrington Guardian:

NHS data shows 120,845 people had received both jabs by July 18, covering 71 per cent of those in the town aged 16 and over.

Meanwhile, 148,311 people in Warrington have received at least one dose of a vaccine, or 87 per cent of the population aged 16 and over.

It means that in total, 269,156 jabs have been administered in the town since the vaccination programme began in December.

What are the town’s health leaders saying?

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, urged residents to be cautious.

She said: “We are all desperate to get back to normal, and despite the national announcement confirming our move to step four from Monday, July 19, we cannot ignore the local picture – where our cases numbers are still rising and people are still in hospital due to the virus.

“We need to remain extra cautious, despite what I know will be the temptation to assume that the move to step four will be a ‘green light’ to live our lives as if the virus is no longer with us.

“We also need to bear in mind that the steps we take to keep ourselves safe, such as keeping our distance and wearing a face covering – which I would strongly recommend you do where necessary – will also help support those who may be nervous about being in busier public spaces or who may be at risk of becoming very unwell if they contract the virus.

“Warrington has shown immense resolve and resilience since the beginning of the pandemic. I ask you, once again, to keep doing your bit.”