PUBLIC health leaders in Warrington are urging people to restrict mixing where possible to reduce the risk of transmission, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the town with an estimated 92 percent being the Delta variant.
In Warrington, stubborn COVID pockets have emerged in certain local areas, and cases are rising in the borough overall. In the past seven days up to 4 June, there were 116 new confirmed cases, which is increasing daily.
Although some restrictions have eased in recent weeks and we now have more freedom to see friends and family, it is important people make careful choices and decisions to limit the spread of the virus.
Socialising outdoors is a good way to protect yourself and those around you, as fresh air can blow away any COVID particles.
Other practical steps people can take include reducing travel, limiting mixing with other households, and keeping a note of who you have had ‘close contact’ within case contact tracers contact you.
Remembering the basics of ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ is also more important than ever when meeting people from outside your household, especially as people are starting to leave their homes more for work and to socialise.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing said: “The increase in case numbers within the community is becoming increasing concerning – coronavirus is still around and, even though you may only get mild symptoms if you get it, other people can still become seriously ill.
“As always, you should get regular symptom-free tests to ensure you don’t have the virus while not displaying any symptoms, and if you start to develop any symptoms, go home and self-isolate immediately and book an NHS (PCR) test as soon as possible.
“If you have been told to self-isolate by the national test and trace service, or by the council’s contact tracers, it is vital that you stay indoors for the full isolation period as you can still be contagious.
“If you need any support when self-isolating, Warrington Voluntary Action’s Good Neighbours scheme is available to help – email [email protected] or call 01925 246 881 for advice.”
So far, in Warrington, 54% of eligible people have received both doses of the vaccine and 75% have received their first dose of the vaccine, which is helping to keep hospital admissions low and protect those most vulnerable.
Across the country, there are patterns of hospital admissions in areas where infection rates are much higher than in Warrington, but our case rates are rising. Fully vaccinated people are less likely to get or spread coronavirus but it’s important to continue to follow the rules.
Thara Raj, Warrington’s Director of Public Health, said: “There’s no denying the effectiveness of the vaccine rollout in Warrington, but the Delta COVID-19 variant is spreading rapidly and is the dominant strain in Warrington with an estimated 92% of our cases being the Delta variant.
“Please play your part to lower our case numbers – making small changes such as meeting people outdoors instead of indoors, particularly now we’re experiencing better weather, will help to make a huge difference to transmission in the borough.
“If you are meeting up with friends and family to watch the England v Croatia match this Sunday please remember to follow the social distancing rules and let’s look forward to a great match.
“Coronavirus is far from over, so we all need to do what we can to help curb this spike in cases.”
For more information about coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
New cases of COVID-19 in Warrington more than double in a week
