COUNCIL public health leaders in Warrington are urging residents to remain cautious as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with the Delta variant the dominant strain in the town.
Public Health data in the seven days up to 18 June showed there were 412 new cases. While the Delta variant is the dominant strain, there have been no known cases of the AY.1 variant which is also referred to as Delta plus.
This latest data demonstrates the continued upwards trend in cases in the borough, with the rapid rise in cases mostly in younger age groups, who have not been invited to get the vaccine until recently.
New measures to curb the spread of the virus are now underway, including public health outreach events in Birchwood and the Town Centre. Outreach teams have been handing out testing kits, speaking to people about the COVID vaccine, and encouraging people to get NHS (PCR) tests when they have any symptoms. The team will be out in different locations across the borough over the coming weeks.
The public health team is also working with some settings to do enhanced PCR testing, as well as visiting some colleges to test pupils who may unknowingly have the virus as well.
Although restrictions have eased significantly since March as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, continuing the basics of ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ is more important than ever to help reduce this rise in cases.
Residents should use symptom-free testing twice a week as part of a regular routine – not just for if you are going out socialising or seeing family or friends. You should also record your results as soon as you have taken the test in the NHS COVID-19 app, no matter the result.
If you have any coronavirus symptoms at all, no matter how mild, you should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS (PCR) test via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Public health director Thara Raj
“We’re working closely with NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, GP practices and Warrington Hospital to vaccinate as many people as possible, to run as many vaccination clinics as possible. If you are aged 18 or over, please book your vaccination appointments or attend a walk-in session as soon as you can, and make sure you have both doses in order to get the best protection.
“Vaccines help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus as well as reduce your risk of catching and spreading it and protects against variants. There is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have a vaccine so please remember to continue to follow the rules even when you’ve had your jabs.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Our hard work and discipline in isolating, testing and getting vaccinated over the past few months has been exceptional.
“It’s well known that 1 in 3 people have no coronavirus symptoms, and it’s likely you could be unaware you are carrying the virus and could potentially transmit it further without knowing. Although you might not feel as unwell if you catch coronavirus, you could make someone else much more unwell if they came into contact with you.
“Please remain extra cautious by following the rules in place, getting the vaccine and keeping up regular symptom-free testing until we are in a better position.”
For more information on coronavirus in Warrington, visit: warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
