THERE have been no further COVID-19 related deaths at Warrington Hospital while two new cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours, with the ‘R’ rate of infection across the UK below one.
During the Government’s daily briefing chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, said the ‘R’ Rate of infection was now at 0.7-0.9 across the UK.
A total of 125 COVID-19 patients have sadly died at the hospital, while at least 96 people have also sadly died in local care homes, taking the town’s death toll to at least 221.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases of Warrington residents reported at the hospital is now 787 – a rate of 375.6 per 100,000 population.
Across the UK the Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths was 245 taking the total number of deaths to 41,128.
The daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases was 1,003 taking the total number to 290,143.
Meanwhile prime minister Boris Johnson announced some further relaxation of lockdown measures with new “support bubbles” which will all adults living alone in England, including single parents with children under 18, able to form a “support bubble” with one other household.
The updated guidelines come into place from Saturday with the intention of easing the challenges of social isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.
Members of a bubble will be able to stay overnight at each other’s home and there is no need to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule.
The relaxation of the rules does not include those who are shielding, meaning guidelines for the “clinically extremely vulnerable” remain unchanged.
Mr Johnson said the measures are a “targeted intervention” to help those who are most lonely.
He said: “There are still too many people, particularly those who live by themselves, who are lonely and struggling.
The bubbles will allow widowed grandparents to visit family members, or have their grandchildren to stay and also allow single parents to get help with childcare from others.
But Mr Johnson stressed the new measures are not designed for people who do not qualify, and others should still continue to social distance and only meet outdoors.
The government is also set to allow non-essential shops, zoos and drive-in cinemas in England to open on Monday, as long as they can carry out proper social distancing.
Also from Monday, commuters will be expected to wear a face covering on public transport – or risk a fine.
Hospital visitors and outpatients will also be required to cover their face.
