COVID-19 update: Primary school pupils test positive as more than 30 new cases confirmed in Warrington

A Warrington Primary school had to close and more than 30 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the town, while new track and trace rules for the hospitality sector come into force this Friday.

A total of 31 new cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours, with 313 new COVID-19 cases in the Warrington area (up to Sept 14) during the past two weeks, a rate of 149.4 cases per 100,000.
Penketh South Community Primary School became the latest school to be affected, when two pupils from year five and another in year one tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend, resulting in the school closing on Monday. The school reopened to most year groups today, Tuesday, after consultations with Public Health England. But youngsters in years one and five will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days as a result of the confirmed cases.
A statement on the school’s website stated: “After consultation with Public Health England, our School has now re-opened to all children in Nursery, Reception, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6. Please can we ask all parents to continue to inform us immediately if your child shows symptoms or tests positive.”
Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 track and trace law affecting pubs, cafes, restaurants and other venues involving close contact will come into force this Friday.
A change in the rules surrounding the NHS Track and Trace will require venues to take contact details for people who are eating in or having a drink.
Some businesses have already been taking details on a voluntary basis but, from Friday, it will be a legal requirement.
The rule applies to other close contact businesses such as beauty salons, barbers and attractions including zoos, cinemas and bowling alleys.
Businesses must keep information for 21 days and hand it over to NHS Test and Trace when asked to do so.
Those refusing to offer details could be refused entry as organisations that do not comply could face fines.
Meanwhile, the latest data for Warrington shows there have now been a total of 1,743 cases (829.9) per 100,000 population, with 229 cases confirmed for the Week Sept 5 to September 12.
This included two consecutive days of more than 40 cases from September 7-8th.
There have been 154 confirmed deaths involving Warrington residents since the figures were revised.
Across the UK the daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths was 27, taking the total number of deaths to 41,664.
The daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases was 3,105, taking the total number to 374,228.
Across the country there are 972 patients currently in hospital and 106 patients in ventilator beds.
To find out more about COVID-19 testing, and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus