COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise as first Omicron variant case suspected in Warrington

WHILE no further hospital deaths have been reported COVID-19 infection rates and inpatient numbers have risen, with 168 new cases confirmed in the town – including the first suspected case of the Omicron variant.

Prof. Steven Broomhead MBE, Chief Executive at Warrington Borough Council, said: “Coronavirus case rates in Warrington remain high and are increasing. We are continuing with our comprehensive surveillance and monitoring, and we are working with colleagues from UK Health Security Agency to help ensure there is timely detection of, and response to, any confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.

“There are now confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the North West. We are awaiting results on further laboratory testing to determine whether the variant is present in any confirmed cases in Warrington.

“With high case rates and with the risk of the new Omicron variant, it is crucial that everyone takes sensible precautions to protect themselves and others. This includes getting vaccinated, including having the booster dose if you’ve been invited, wearing a face covering, testing yourself regularly, and staying at home if you feel unwell or develop symptoms and booking a PCR test.”

Meanwhile, the 168 (100) new cases reported by Public Health England, take the total number of cases in Warrington since the start of the pandemic to 39,284 (39,116).

Infection rates in Warrington have continued to rise to 1,087 (1,056) – 519.1 (504.3) per 100,000 population over a seven-day period and remain above the national average of 468.8 (457.6) per 100,000, which have also risen again.

While no further deaths have been reported at Warrington Hospital, inpatient numbers have risen over the weekend from 20-26, including four in ICU. A total of five patients were discharged.

Warrington & Halton Hospitals figures Monday-Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.
Current inpatients as of Monday, December 6 (confirmed positive result – 14 days or less from first positive sample) – 26 (20) including 4 (4) in ICU.
Cumulative discharges (discharges of positive patients [excluding deaths]– 2597 (2591)
Cumulative deaths (deaths of positive inpatients) – current figure 568 (568)
*Hospital deaths include residents from Warrington and Halton. Total deaths of Warrington residents can be seen below.
The total number of deaths in Warrington within 28 days of a positive test reported by Public Health England is currently 526 (526) 251.2 per 100,000 population compared to the national rate of 217.1
The total number of deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate in Warrington reported by Public Health England in all settings is 611 (610).

Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths reported on Monday, December 6, 2021 – 41 (54), taking the total number of deaths to 145,646 (145,605).
The daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases was 51,459 (43,992), taking the total number to 10,515,239 (10,464,389).
Across the country, there are 7,268 (7,373) patients currently in hospital and 900 (895) on ventilation.
Total number of 1st dose vaccinations: 51,118,266 (51,094,640) and second dose 46,557,413 (46,527,302) Booster or third vaccination total 20,580,644 (20,258,417).
To find out more about COVID-19 testing, and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit http://warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus
For the latest COVID-19 guidance for Warrington visit https://www.warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-latest-guidance

Reduce the risk of COVID transmission:

• Get vaccinated if you haven’t already, and book your booster appointment when invited, as this will give you the best protection against the virus and any new variants
• Consider wearing a face-covering in all enclosed, crowded spaces. You must wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, and a range of other indoor settings, unless exempt
• Take regular, symptom-free COVID tests twice a week and if you will be in a high-risk situation that day, or before you visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness. If you receive a positive symptom-free test result, you should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS (PCR) test
• Stay at home if you feel unwell or develop any COVID-19 symptoms, and book an NHS (PCR) test. This will help to reduce the risk of passing illnesses onto friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community. You should also self-isolate immediately if you test positive for COVID-19, or if you are told to do so by the NHS Test and Trace or the local contact tracing team
• Meet in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors, or indoors with windows open
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app and keep the contact tracing setting on to stay informed, in case you come into close contact with a positive COVID-19 case

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