Warrington heading for “very high” risk Tier 3 local lockdown

WARRINGTON is heading towards a “very high” risk Tier 3 local lockdown with COVID-19 infection rates across all age groups remaining stubbornly high.

With infection rates in Warrington currently twice the national average, Warrington Borough Council and government have been in discussions over tier 3 proposal for Warrington , this week.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said positive initial discussions had been held between the council and government over the prospect of Warrington becoming a ‘very high’ risk (tier 3) local COVID alert area.
Warrington is currently designated a ‘high risk’ area (tier 2), but with the continued and stubbornly high levels of coronavirus in the town, discussions are ongoing to determine whether Warrington’s local alert level should increase.
Cllr Bowden said: “We have initiated talks with the government about Warrington’s local COVID alert level increasing to tier 3, working through the practicalities of what this could mean for our town.
“We have done all we can to provide support and guidance to our residents and businesses throughout the pandemic, but the evidence shows that despite our best efforts, cases of coronavirus in Warrington are not decreasing.
“I do have concerns about the impact on local businesses and jobs if Warrington goes into tier 3, and I’m particularly worried for our hospitality sector and those whose businesses are connected to the industry. The discussions we have held with government so far, however, have been honest and realistic. If Warrington is to enter tier 3 restrictions, I will do all I can to ensure there is an acceptable level of financial support made available for our businesses and their staff. This is an absolute priority for me.
“We cannot ignore the stubbornly high case numbers of coronavirus in the town, with more people being admitted to hospital and, distressingly, more people being taken by the virus. I therefore appeal to our residents to keep doing your bit, follow the guidance and restrictions and continue to play your part in protecting yourselves and your loved ones.
“In the meantime, I will continue to lead these proactive discussions with government to ensure that if we do enter the ‘very high’ risk category, Warrington secures the best possible support agreement.”
COVID-19 infection rates in Warrington, while initially mainly impacting the 19-29 age group, this has now spread across all age groups at 341 per 100,000. For the over 60s it is 195 per 100,000.
The full extent of the proposed restrictions is still being discussed – but it is understood local leisure centres will remain open.
Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “I’ve held discussions with number 10 over the last few days to ensure that the right level of funding is agreed, as have local leaders and further calls this morning with Health Ministers. We are all united in wanting to bring infection rates down, we all have our own part to play in following the guidance. Warrington Hospital will shortly exceed the peak number of inpatients from the first wave and as infection rates grow the number of key workers who have to self-isolate brings additional challenges to ensure the right level of care can continue.
“Public health officials have raised particular concern around the significant increase in infections in the over 60s, with the rapid rise to 195 per 100,000 alongside a wider trend of infections impacting all age groups in Warrington there is an increasing likelihood that the town will move into the ‘Very High’ in the coming days.
“Yesterday I raised in parliament the need to give more specific targeted support for businesses that are able to open but are operating under restrictions, I was pleased to see the Chancellor respond today in his announcements and introduce further grants for hospitality and leisure businesses”.
For more information, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus