Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise in Frodsham and Helsby, as Cheshire West and Chester Council urge residents to remain cautious ahead of the full lifting of lockdown restrictions on July 19.

In the week leading up to July 8, there were 26 coronavirus cases in Frodsham, making for a rolling infection rate of 283.5 per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, in the area covering Helsby, Kingsley, Manley and Alvanley, there were 20 cases recorded, along with a rate of 215 per 100,000 people.

Frodsham and Helsby's infection rates are currently below the Cheshire West average of 339, which takes in the surging case numbers of hotspots such as Ellesmere Port, Chester and Northwich.

In the week in question, 1,262 people tested positive for the virus in our borough, an increase of 28 per cent on the previous seven-day period.

These rising infection rates have prompted the Council to encourage the continued observance of infection control measures after restrictions are eased on Monday.

"Our infection rates are still very high in the area and continuing to increase," the Council said.

"The rates are highest in the 20-29 age range and we are now seeing more people (currently over 60 admissions) requiring treatment for Covid in our local hospitals.

"In the light of rising Covid-19 infections locally and changes to the national restrictions, we are asking those living, working and visiting Cheshire West and Chester to go above and beyond the minimum guidance required.

"Our advice will also support the recovery of our local businesses and the wider economy, as increased transmission of the virus will result in major disruptions if staff are unable to work due to being unwell with Covid-19 and legally required to self-isolate.

"We are asking everyone not to see the 19 July as a reason to stop all the good practices that have helped to reduce the spread of the virus and which have protected our communities and loved ones over the past 16 months, especially when in close contact with others.

"The hugely successful mass vaccination programme has weakened the link between infection, the risk of hospitalisation and loss of life.

"This is incredibly encouraging, but unfortunately it is not the end of the story. It is clear that a massive rise in infections will impact on our unvaccinated children and teenagers and those who have not been vaccinated, either due to personal choice or another medical reason.

"We have seen a tremendous uptake of our local vaccine programme so far, with 84 per cent of eligible adults now having their first dose, and 66 per cent having their second dose. We will continue to make getting your vaccine as easy as possible, taking it to areas of the lowest uptake and encouraging people to have their vital second dose.

"A very real danger of significant continued transmission is the risk of yet another mutation of the virus that is both easier to catch and could render our current vaccines powerless, essentially taking us back to square one. This is something that is constantly being monitored and makes it doubly important that we continue the good behaviours.

"The people of west Cheshire have pulled together through all stages of the pandemic to look after and protect each other. It is vital that we keep this up as we go forward."

For details about how and where to get your Covid-19 vaccination, please visit the Cheshire CCG website.