Two more hospital deaths and 50 new COVID-19 cases as Warrington faces tougher restrictions

TWO more patients have sadly died at Warrington Hospital and 50 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the latest Public Health England figures, as the town faces tougher restrictions which come into force at midnight on Friday.

Commenting on the tougher restrictions Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “I very much hoped we could have avoided additional measures, we’ve seen in the last few days the start of a fall in daily infections locally however we’re still at a much higher level than public health officials would want and so I hope we can bring the outbreak under control more quickly and lift these restrictions as soon as possible.”
“Much of what has been announced today was already guidance for people living in Warrington, the restrictions mean that from just after midnight on Saturday regulation will come into force preventing social mixing between different households in law in all settings except for outdoor public spaces or outside hospitality such as beer gardens,
“Guidance also includes not to attend professional or amateur sporting events as spectators, only to visit care homes in exceptional circumstances to try and reduce the risk of infection of those who are vulnerable and most at risk and a request to only travel for essential reasons, that means it’s ok to go to work, to school or to the shops.
“I’m very pleased Government have increased availability of testing locally at my request, a new walkthrough test centre opened in Warrington town centre yesterday. I really don’t want to see further measures, an enforced period of lockdown, even for a short period would have significant economic implications and we need to find a balance between keeping people safe and protecting jobs and livelihoods. If you do have a positive test please self-isolate and if you’re contacted by test and trace it’s important you share the details of people who you’ve been in contact with so we can minimise future infections”.
Cllr Bob Barr Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Warrington Borough Council said: “The new Covid restrictions applied to Warrington are disappointing, given that the vast majority of residents have been trying hard to stay safe and keep others safe and well.
“The Government’s late consultation with the Council before announcing the new rules is most regrettable, as is the lack of clarity on exactly what the rules are. Judging by my email inbox there has been much confusion.
“More worrying is the small minority who intentionally break the rules, abuse others who are abiding by them, or spread disinformation to try to persuade others to misbehave. They are even worse than those who are putting themselves and others at risk by simply being careless.
“In order to protect ourselves in Warrington we must all do our best to follow the guidelines and to take all necessary hygiene precautions that will reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.”
Earlier today Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “These restrictions are disappointing for our town, but are, again, a necessary response in helping us to drive down the number of case of coronavirus in Warrington.
“Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. Getting the basics right – maintaining excellent hand hygiene, keeping your distance, and wearing a cloth face covering where necessary – has never been so important. We genuinely all have a part to play to stop coronavirus from spreading, particularly to our elderly or vulnerable loved ones.
“I’m aware the government has announced a support package for affected councils as part of the announcement of these new restrictions. I await the detail on what this funding could mean, but it’s clear that, as part of these strict new measures, we need to do all we can to support affected businesses – not least our hospitality industry which will, again, be seriously impacted by these new restrictions. We will, therefore, continue to work closely with government and press them for the support our hospitality sector and businesses need during this increasingly difficult period.”

Meanwhile the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in Warrington since March is now 2,482 (2,432) 1,181.8 (1,158) per 100,000 population. The seven-day average
as of Sept 24 was 49.9 (53.6).
The latest available figures from Warrington Hospital released today, Thursday, Oct 1.
Yesterday’s figures in brackets.
Covid-19 positive inpatients 31 (32) – Of which 7 (9) are in ICU
Total number of tests (inpatients/community) cumulative – 24,545 (24,343)
Total tests with a positive result (inpatients/community/died/discharged) cumulative 1,391 (1,391 )
Discharges of positive patients (excluding deaths) cumulative 439 (433)
Deaths of Covid-19 positive inpatients cumulative 145 (143)
There have now been four COVID-19 related deaths at the hospital since Sunday.
There have been 159 COVID-related deaths reported in Warrington 59.4 per 100,000 population.
Across the UK the daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths was 59 (71), taking the total number of deaths to 42,202 (42,143) –
The daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases was 6,914 (7,108), taking the total number to 453,264 (434,969).
Across the country, there are 2,276 (2,049) patients currently in hospital and 332 (312) patients in ventilator beds.
To find out more about COVID-19 testing, and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus
For the latest COVID-19 guidance for Warrington visit https://www.warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-latest-guidance