COVID-19 law breakers face £200 fines from midnight as 36 new cases confirmed in Warrington

AS tougher new COVID-19 legislation comes into force for Warrington at midnight tonight, 36 new cases have been confirmed in the latest figures from Public Health England, down from 50 yesterday.

Ahead of the changes, Cheshire Constabulary is urging all residents to ensure they are aware of the new rules, know what they mean for them and ensure they stick to them.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “I understand that there are lots of changes for people to take in and I want to reassure residents that we will continue to support the public to navigate the measures in place.
“Officers will be out and about to help explain the rules – and encourage people to follow them – but, where necessary, we will enforce them.
“We need local residents to take personal responsibility and make sure they are fully aware of the rules that apply to them and ensure they stick to them.
“The key message is that from midnight tonight people living in Warrington and Halton will no longer be able to mix with people from outside their household in any indoor settings. This will include all private dwellings, gardens, pubs and restaurants.
“However, there are a small number of exemptions, such as support bubbles and going to work, which is why it’s essential that all residents familiarise themselves with the new legislation, understand what it means for them and ensure they follow the rules.”
Anyone who breaches the new legislation in Warrington and Halton, could face a £200 fine.
The new legislation is in addition to the existing measures in place, which includes the ‘rule of six’ and prevents anyone from meeting in groups of more than six people – whether inside or outside anywhere in Cheshire.
The ‘rule of six’ also requires all hospitality, leisure, entertainment and tourism businesses will have to close by 10pm. Those who do not comply risk being fined or the premises could closed for breaches.
The force is continuing to work closely alongside the four local authorities in Cheshire – Warrington, Halton, Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils – as well as colleagues in Public Health and other agencies to ensure that residents, shoppers and businesses are acting within the regulations in every part of the county.
ACC Sims added: “The vast majority of people have been listening to the advice, sticking to the rules and following the guidance in place to limit the spread of the virus. However, it is disappointing that a small minority are still choosing to flout the regulations and, with the infection rate spreading rapidly, we will not hesitate to take action where we need to – especially for the most serious breaches. We will not allow those who continue to ignore the rules to reverse the hard work and efforts of everyone else.”
Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “We all have a responsibility to remain vigilant, act responsibly and do everything we can to keep themselves and others safe.
“It is clear that we all have a very important part to play over the coming weeks and months. COVID-19 is very much still out there, we must not let our guard down and the personal choices that we all make are crucial to protect others.
“The rules are there for a reason – to keep us all safe – and we all need to play our part to protect our family, our friends, the communities we live in and, most importantly, the NHS.”
Anyone looking to report a breach of the Coronavirus legislation is urged to do so online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures/
Full details of the current regulations relating to Covid-19 can be found on the www.gov.uk/coronavirus website.

Meanwhile the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in Warrington since March is now 2,518 (2,482) 1,199 (1,181.1) per 100,000 population. The seven-day average
as of Sept 25 was 50.3 (49.9).
The latest available figures from Warrington Hospital released today, Friday, Oct 2.
Yesterday’s figures in brackets.
Covid-19 positive inpatients 34 (31) – Of which 8 (7) are in ICU
Total number of tests (inpatients/community) cumulative – 24,692 (24,545)
Total tests with a positive result (inpatients/community/died/discharged) cumulative 1,417 (1,391 )
Discharges of positive patients (excluding deaths) cumulative 442 (439)
Deaths of Covid-19 positive inpatients cumulative 145 (145)
There have been four COVID-19 related deaths at the hospital since Sunday.
There have been 160 COVID-related deaths reported in Warrington 76.2 per 100,000 population.

Across the UK the daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths was 66 (59), taking the total number of deaths to 42,268 (42,202) –
The daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases was 6,968 (6,914), taking the total number to 453,264 (434,969).
Across the country, there are 2,376 (2,276) patients currently in hospital and 341 (332) 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