Covid-19 case numbers are declining in Frodsham and the surrounding villages, although they remain high.

In the week leading up to January 14, there were 32 infections recorded in Frodsham, a reduction of two on the previous seven day period. The rolling rate currently sits at 344 per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, in the area encompassing Helsby, Kingsley, Alvanley and Manley, there were 27 new cases and a rate of 291 per 100,000 in that week. This marks a decrease of nearly a quarter on the week before.

The incidence of coronavirus in Frodsham and Helsby remains below the Cheshire West average of 451 per 100,000 residents.

In the week ending January 14, 1409 new cases were recorded in the borough, 525 fewer than in the previous week.

Cheshire West infection rates are, in turn, lower than the UK average of 471 per 100,000, which has also fallen by a fifth in the past week.

Although case numbers are gradually falling in our borough, hospital admissions continue to catch up with the surging infection rates of the last few weeks.

The Countess of Chester is currently treating more than 270 coronavirus patients, nearly three times the number of people who needed care at the peak of the first wave.

This week, there have been 42 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test in Cheshire West hospitals, an increase of 40 per cent on the week before.

Yesterday (Tuesday), Countess of Chester chief executive Susan Gilby pleaded with residents to follow lockdown rules, to help ease the pressure her hospital is currently facing.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have also urged local residents to maintain a two metre distance from other people while out exercising, especially in busy areas like Delamere Forest.

Source: Public Health England