The proportion of positive coronavirus tests in Cheshire West has risen to 9.1 per cent over the last week, the borough's Director of Public Health has said.

Ian Ashworth told the council's Covid-19 Outbreak Board that the rise in positive tests were recorded in a week which saw a 7.7 per cent fall in the number of residents getting a test.

In terms of a percentage change, 9.1 per cent represents an increase of positive tests by 0.5 per cent from the previous week.

Mr Ashworth told members: "We have got to understand what people's thoughts are about testing. I have been keen to get a series of videos out about how to access a testing site to [remove] the barriers in their experience."

Other data presented by Mr Ashworth also suggested that Covid-19 was now almost as prevalent in those in their over-80s as younger generations, as a result of "some care home outbreaks."

An infection rate of 336 cases per 100,000 residents was recorded among CWAC's 80-plus community, compared to 379 per 100,000 for those in their twenties and 339 in their thirties.

"We are there to support our residents"

While the meeting was taking place, MPs voted to formally approve the new four-week lockdown which began today, Thursday November 5th.

Responding to this, CWAC leader Cllr Louise Gittins said: "If we all stick together and work together we will get through the next four weeks.

"We will work on getting that support for one another."

Ian Ashworth added: "We have got good, solid foundations to build on here. It is going to be a slog but we are there to support our residents through it."