THE number of people testing positive for coronavirus covid-19 in Warrington is now confirmed at three, with others still awaiting the outcome of tests which take up to 48 hours.
No details have been released due to patient confidentiality but the number awaiting the outcome of tests is believed to be in single figures.
The first case was confirmed last Wednesday involving a person recently returning from Italy.
As of 9am on 17 March 2020, 50,442 people have been tested in the UK, of which 48,492 were confirmed negative and 1,950 were confirmed as positive. The number of confirmed deaths in England currently stands at 67.
Meanwhile Warrington Borough Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden today met with the Mayor, political group leaders, Deputy Leader, Chief Executive and the Council’s Monitoring Officer, to discuss the fast-changing national situation with coronavirus covid-19, and agreed the following steps relating to Council meetings to the end of the current civic year (25 May 2020):
i.That the full Council meeting scheduled for 23 March 2020 will not be held and essential business will be deferred to a future meeting or dealt with in an alternative way.
ii. That only the following Council Committees will meet:
– Cabinet;
– Scrutiny (if required as a result of a call-in);
– Development Management (25 March, 1 April and 22 April 2020);
– Licensing (no meetings are currently scheduled).
iii. That we will look to ensure that the meetings proceed either through “remote means” or by appropriate “social distancing”. He will speak to the relevant Chairs of these Committees on implementation of these arrangements.
iv.That the council await Government guidance and legislation regarding the management of any vacancies and by-elections ahead of the local elections in May 2021.
v. That the await Government guidance and legislation regarding the Annual Council Meeting (planned for 26 May 2020), its potential deferment and any impact on the Council, including arrangements for the mayoralty, leadership and Committee membership.
Cllr Bowden said: “As a Council, we are in uncharted territory with this developing situation. We must ensure that the Council continues to function effectively in the coming months and that we can best serve the needs of Warrington residents.”
Meanwhile numerous events have been cancelled across the town as the government urge people not to visit pubs, clubs and restaurants. Both cinemas have also closed until further notice. People are also being urged to work from home whenever possible, while those more vulnerable are being told to self isolate.
For the latestest updates on the coronavirus pandemic visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
