It's the final week before school pupils return to the classroom, and Cheshire's local authorities are urging residents to continue in their efforts to keep Covid infection numbers down.

So, how is the situation looking in Frodsham and Helsby?

In the week leading up to 24 February, the number of new infections in Frodsham rose slightly to 12, making for a rate of 131 per 100,000 people.

With coronavirus having all but disappeared in west Cheshire's more rural areas, including Sutton Weaver, Crowton, Tarporley, Christleton and Tattenhall, this rate, although low, is now among the highest in the borough.

Meanwhile, in the area covering Helsby, Manley, Alvanley and Kingsley, nine cases resulted in a rate of 97 per 100,000, which is down 30 per cent on the previous week.

The incidence of coronavirus was even lower around Elton, Mickle Trafford and Barrow, where four new infections were recorded.

Moving towards Runcorn, there were three positive cases in Beechwood and Heath, which had a rate of 49 per 100,000.

Cheshire West is now surrounded by local authorities whose rolling rates sit below 100 per 100,000 people, and with a current case rate of 100.6, we are on the cusp of joining them.

In the last seven days, 308 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the borough – a decrease of 28 per cent on the previous week.

The average national infection rate still hovers just below that of Cheshire West, at 100.4 per 100,000.

And what about vaccines?

On Thursday 24 February, Cheshire West passed an important landmark in the Covid vaccination rollout, as the borough's 100,000th dose was administered.

By 25 February, nearly 220,000 people had received their first dose in Cheshire as a whole, with a further 6,000 having received their second dose as well.

Local residents aged 60-64 are now being invited to come forward for their vaccine. Appointments can be arranged through the national booking service, or by calling 119.

Source: Public Health England and NHS England