Council urge residents to protect themselves and others as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

RESIDENTS are being urged by Warrington Borough Council to think about the impact of COVID-19 on other people, as well as the risk to themselves, as confirmed case numbers rise.

New rules restricting social gatherings to a maximum of six people will come into place in England from Monday 14 September.
People are also being asked to reduce the spread of transmission by
•washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
•wearing a face covering in settings where social distancing may be difficult
•keeping your distance from people you do not live with where possible
The latest COVID-19 figures for Warrington show 120 new confirmed cases in the last seven days. This increase shows a sustained, upwards trend, with cases confirmed in pubs, hospitality settings, and schools.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health, (pictured) said: “The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Warrington has been increasing over the last few weeks, so we’re urging residents to think about the impact of coronavirus on other people, as well as the risk to themselves.
“We are aware that there are small numbers of confirmed cases in some hospitality venues and schools, and we are working closely with the affected venues, and Public Health England, to identify anyone who may have potentially been exposed to prevent the further spread of the virus.
“As cases are confirmed, all those who may have been in contact with people who have tested positive, or an affected venue, are being traced and advised to self-isolate for 14 days, and get tested if they have symptoms.
“We are still learning to live with coronavirus and have to be ready to adapt to changing government guidance to keep ourselves and others safe. From Monday, we must all adhere to the new rules, limiting any social gatherings, either indoors or outdoors, to six people.
“If you have any symptoms, however mild, please self-isolate and book a test immediately. This will help prevent the spread of the virus and will protect others, particularly those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, from becoming extremely unwell.
“We still want people to be able to go out for dinner, or shopping, or to the pub, but while we continue to we enjoy this freedom, it’s absolutely vital that we do all we can to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. This includes giving your contact details in restaurants and other settings, when asked, to help support local testing and tracing.
“If we all play our part to prevent the spread of the virus by following the guidance it will help to prevent further restrictions from being imposed.”
From Monday, you must not meet anywhere with people from other households socially in groups of more than six. However, some larger gatherings will be allowed, for example:
•If your household or support bubble is larger than six
•Where gatherings are for work or education purposes
•COVID-secure weddings and funerals
•Organised team sports
To find out more about COVID-19 testing, and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus
If you have any concerns about coronavirus safety in any setting, you can report it via the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/back-in-business