PUBLIC health leaders in Warrington are urging residents not to “give the gift or coronavirus” this Christmas following a sharp increase in cases in the town.
While it has been confirmed this week that Warrington will remain in the high alert local coronavirus level, tier 2, there has been a sharp increase in cases, particularly in the over 60s, which means more people are likely to end up in hospital and may not recover.
This news comes following a formal national review of tiers across the country, with a further review due at the end of December in two weeks’ time. However, the number of cases is increasing in the borough and public health leaders are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging residents to think about their Christmas plans and act with moderation.
Coronavirus is most likely to be transmitted through households, no matter what precautions are in place. The more people you meet, the more chance you have of spreading or catching the virus, and the chances of both are increased even more when indoors. Residents should consider their plans carefully, as it’s not possible to effectively social distance indoors due to tight spaces, so meeting with other households carries extra risk.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We have done ever so well to remain in tier 2 and this is down to our communities following the rules and guidance in place. We know it continues to be a really difficult, challenging time for our residents and families but the recent tier announcement is validation that everyone’s hard work has made a difference.
“However, we have seen in the last few days that coronavirus cases have started to rise sharply again, so whilst we should welcome the news that we won’t be having further restrictions placed on us, we should make sure we keep doing everything we can to stop a further increase in cases. If we are careful now and in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, we can enjoy quality time with loved ones once we’ve come through the pandemic.”
Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, said: “The sharp rise in coronavirus cases particularly in the over 60-year-olds means more people will end up in hospital and may not recover. This is a time to celebrate family and loved ones and the best way of doing that is not to give the gift of coronavirus.
“If you mix with other households you are putting yourself and others at risk. That hasn’t changed because of Christmas, so it’s important to keep contacts to a minimum during the five-day festive period. We hope that Warrington families and communities have a lovely Christmas, but keep following the basic rules as you’ve been fantastic observing them. Let’s not drop our guard.”
It’s important to get a free Coronavirus test if you develop any symptoms as this will help to stop the spread of the virus. If you have coronavirus symptoms, you need to book a test immediately. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms, so remember to social distance, wash your hands regularly throughout the day and wear a face-covering where possible.
Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) will stay open, and pubs and bars can only open if they serve substantial meals. Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can also resume with restrictions.
To keep up to date about coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
Warrington’s latest COVID-19 hot spots revealed as infection rates increase
