Warrington will move from local COVID alert level ‘high’ to ‘very high’ from 00.01 on Tuesday 27 October. This means that new measures will come into place including:

• people must not socialise with anybody they do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting, in any private garden, or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
• people must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue
• all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals, any alcohol must only be served alongside such a meal
• people should try to avoid travelling outside the ‘very high’ alert level or entering a ‘very high’ alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey
• residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the ‘very high’ alert area

In addition, closures will include betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres and areas.

The rate of COVID-19 infections is rising rapidly across the UK. The case rate in England stood at 180.6 people per 100,000 from 12 October to 18 October, up from 100 people per 100,000 for the week 25 September to 1 October. Cases are not evenly spread, with infection rates rising more rapidly in some areas than others.

In Warrington, infection rates are among the highest in the country and are continuing to rise rapidly, with case rates at 361 people per 100,000 among all age groups. Although infection rates were originally higher in the younger population, the government says we are now seeing rises in the older population with case rates at 217 per 100,000 for over 60s -  a 20% rise on the previous week.

The restrictions will be reviewed jointly in 28 days’ time.

Guidance has been published for Warrington.