Latest COVID-19 hot spots as fall in infection rates slows down as some areas see increases

WHILE new COVID-19 infection rates have continued to fall in many areas of Warrington, there have been significant spikes in some areas of the town, including Grappenhall, Oakwood and Gorse Covert.

There have also been increased cases at Winwick & Burtonwood, Locking Stumps, Appleton Thorn, Walton & Stretton and Appleton, with the fall in infection rates slowing down considerably compared to the previous week’s small area data.

Infection rates still remain high in some central areas of Warrington including Fairfield & Howley (145) and Central Warrington (105). Infection rates also remain high at Kingswood & Whittle Hall.

A new REACT study suggests that the return to school is driving up Omicron infections in children and could also lead to another surge in adults.

meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency released its weekly coronavirus surveillance report yesterday. It found that COVID case rates are currently highest in those aged five to nine years old – and lowest in those aged between 70 and 79. It said infection rates are highest in the North East and lowest in London, where the Omicron variant initially spiked last year.

New data from the UKHSA also found a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine boosts protection against death from Omicron to 95% for those aged over 50.

Vaccines minister Maggie Throup said: “A booster vaccine is absolutely crucial to topping up your immunity against the Omicron variant. More than 80% of eligible adults in England have already received their booster and this has allowed us to ease COVID-19 restrictions.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA head of immunisation, added: “The evidence is clear – the vaccine helps to protect us all against the effects of COVID-19 and the booster is offering high levels of protection from hospitalisation and death in the most vulnerable members of our society. The pandemic is not over yet and the vaccine is the best way to increase your protection against the serious consequences of this virus.”

Small area cases for Week Ending January 22 (Jan 15)
Culcheth West & Croft 49 (53)
Culcheth East & Hollins Green 50 (58)
Winwick & Burtonwood 51 (48)
Locking Stumps 36 (35)
Oakwood & Gorse Covert 54 (28)
Hulme 63 (78)
Houghton Green & Fearnhead 58 (70)
Blackbrook 60 (87)
Kingswood & Whittle Hall 118 (118)
Callands & Old Hall 83 (83)
Orford 67 (104)
Padgate & Paddington 82 (106)
Bewsey & Dallam 69 (91)
Woolston 67 (77)
Great Sankey 77 (59)
Hood Manor & Sankey Bridges 69 (76)
Fairfield & Howley 131 (145)
Central Warrington 105 (131)
Penketh & Cuerdley 68 (78)
Latchford 79 (89)
Lymm 93 (132)
Grappenhall 113 (74)
Stockton Heath & Hillcliffe 89 (117)
Appleton Thorn, Stretton & Walton 72 (69)
Appleton 53 (48)
Total 1,856 (2,049)