YOUNG people in Winsford are being warned to take extra care as coronavirus cases are on the rise.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, says the borough and its neighbours are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases among people under 35.

It comes as figures from Public Health England show there were 60 new cases of Covid-19 in the week up to September 5 across the borough, compared to 26 in the seven days up to August 29.

That means Cheshire West’s rate of coronavirus infection has more than doubled in the space of a week, from 7.6 per 100,000 people to 17.5 per 100,000.

Ian said: “It is six months since lockdown began in March and it has been a long and difficult period for all of us.

“The lockdown has affected many lives in countless ways and it is understandable that many of us were keen to get back to some form of normality when restrictions were lifted in July.

“People wanted to see loved ones again and business owners and workers wanted to return to work and support the local economy.

“However, the virus has not gone away and we have not yet got a vaccine.”

Ian is calling on everyone to protect each other by social distancing at two metres where possible, covering faces when indoors or on public transport, and regularly washing hands with soap or sanitiser.

The warning comes as the Government has also introduced new regulations banning people from meeting in groups greater than six.

“We need everyone’s help to stop the spread and keep our case numbers low,” Ian added.

“The only way to do this is for everyone to play their part and be more Covid conscious in our daily lives.

“It is really important that we are not complacent, or it may result in restrictions being imposed here similar to other parts of the country, where hospitality venues have been forced to close and stricter restrictions have been re-imposed.

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“If we want to keep our pubs and restaurants open, we must all play our part.”

Anyone who is symptomatic should stay at home and arrange to get tested by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus

For updates on coronavirus from CWAC visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk