WARRINGTON’S Director of Public Health, Thara Raj, has raised concerns over rising COVID-19 cases in some areas of the town and is urging people to remain vigilant and to follow the rules.
Although the latest seven-day total for Warrington (to 10 March) was 166 cases, less than previous weeks, there are some areas where the number of cases is starting to increase. The rates of infection are also higher in Warrington than in other neighbouring authority areas, which is a concern if this pattern continues.
This rise in cases can be attributed to increased testing, but also a reduction in compliance, with a small number of residents relaxing too much as the restrictions start to ease, and public health leaders are encouraging those to continue following the rules.
Warrington’s Director of Public Health, Thara Raj, said: “There are some areas in Warrington where there have been no new cases for a number of days, which is, of course, fantastic news and shows the measures we are taking are working.
“However, this slight rise in cases in some areas is concerning and we must continue with the measures in place to ensure the number of cases stays low across the town. We don’t want the hard work and sacrifices of the past year, and recent months of the national lockdown, in particular, to go to waste.
“As more restrictions are eased in the upcoming weeks, we must remain vigilant and follow the rules to ensure Warrington can continue to come out of lockdown.
“I understand that there are uncertainties about what you are allowed to do and when, so please keep looking at trusted sources of information, including the council’s website and check the facts. We need everyone to keep following the rules and remembering the basics – hands, face, space – and not drop our guard.”
Residents are urged to do all they can to follow the rules in place, as this has been the main driver behind COVID cases falling so far. If you have to leave your home, you should get a regular symptom-free lateral flow test (LFT) and if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS (PCR) test.
You should only mix with your own household or support bubble indoors, and when outdoors, with one other person, but you should remember to keep your distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering if necessary.
If you have to leave your home to go to school, work or provide care, you should get a regular symptom-free test to ensure you don’t have the virus and are not infectious. This testing helps to identify those who might not know they have coronavirus and could be spreading the virus unknowingly to colleagues, friends and loved ones.
If you have had your vaccine, you should no longer become unwell with coronavirus, however it is possible you may be able to unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Anyone who has had the vaccine, regardless of the number of doses, should continue to follow the national guidance to help protect those most vulnerable who have not yet had the vaccine.
For more information about coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
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