College confirms positive COVID-19 cases as fears grow over local lockdown

WARRINGTON & Vale Royal College has become the latest education establishment in the town to confirm positive COVID-19 cases, with fears growing that the town could be heading for a local lockdown.

Cases of COVID-19 have quadrupled in the last week, seeing Warrington have one of the highest infection rates in the country, which if they continue to increase at the current rate, will exceed nearby Bolton.
Commenting on the positive cases at Warrington & Vale Royal College, Principal and Chief Executive, Nichola Newton, said: “The college has received confirmation that members of the college community have tested positive for Covid-19. Following Public Health England advice, learners and teachers affected by these occurrences have been informed.”
“We will continue to consult with Public Health England, following their guidance, as the pandemic takes its course and ensure we are doing everything we can as a community to keep everyone safe.”
It follows on from known positive cases at other schools across the town, including Lymm High School, two primary schools in Orford and a primary school at Penketh.
With confirmed cases quadrupling in the town in the past week, including 69 new cases in the past 48 hours, fears are growing that Warrington could be heading for a local lockdown like in nearby Bolton.
Warrington Borough Council has already urged residents not to visit other households in a bid to curb the rise and has organised a live broadcast at 5pm to provide further updates on the latest situation.
Residents will be able to tune in to the coronavirus leadership briefing with Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, Chief Executive Professor Steven Broomhead and Director of Public Health, Thara Raj today, Thursday 17 September, at 5pm.
The broadcast will be made live via the council website, and residents will require a device that can connect to the internet to be able to view it.
The broadcast can be viewed here https://www.warrington.gov.uk/news/council-leader-chief-executive-and-director-public-health-announce-coronavirus-leadership