RESIDENTS are being reminded to ‘not let their guard down’ following a ‘significant’ rise in Covid cases in Warrington.

The ONS Infection Survey, which is the most accurate data for cases following the end of widespread testing, has identified that one in 50 residents had Covid-19 between June 4 and 11 – the most recent period for which data is available.

The previous week had one in 70 positive cases, which is the first increase in estimated infection rates in the town since early March – with the upwards trend expected to continue.

Warrington Borough Council says while people are doing ‘very well’ in learning to live with the virus, coronavirus is still circulating in the community.

 

READ MORE > Three held after attempted burglary overnight

The virus can also make people very sick, with an increasing number of people in Warrington still sadly being hospitalised with the virus.

As of this afternoon, Friday, 37 patients at Warrington Hospital have Covid, with one in intensive care, while the trust’s virus death toll since the start of the pandemic stands at 693.

Thara Raj, the town’s director of public health, said: “Due to a number of factors, such as the rise in travel and activities in summer, the warmer weather and the removal of restrictions, we have seen a rise in cases in Warrington.

“Due to the higher transmission of the current Covid-19 variant, this is to be expected.

“However, the summer season means there is more opportunity for increased ventilation, and alongside the habits we have been following throughout the pandemic, we will be able to keep the spread of coronavirus to a minimum.”

To help keep the number of cases as low as possible, remember the basics of ‘hands, face and space’, as well as protecting yourself and others by getting vaccinated and boosted if you have not already.

Make sure to make the most of the good weather this summer by meeting outdoors or in well ventilated spaces, as this will make the virus harder to pass on to any other individuals, and importantly, those who are more vulnerable to Covid.

Residents should also keep maintaining excellent hand hygiene, and if you have any Covid symptoms and you are able to, either self-isolate, work from home or keep away from others where possible.