People who work in other households can continue under new measures

Senior council figures held a second leadership briefing for the public today, Monday, ahead of the strict new measures for Warrington.

A question on whether those who normally work in other people’s households are still allowed to do so was asked.

Director of public health Thara Raj confirmed that it is allowed and highlighted decorators, mobile hairdressers, gardeners and cleaners as examples.

But while it is permitted, she emphasised the importance of maintaining social distance, having good hand hygiene and wearing a face covering.

She told residents the town’s 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 cases is currently more than 200 per 100,000.

Ms Raj added: “After a couple of months when we had very low numbers of hospital admissions, unfortunately now local hospitals are now starting to report an increase in numbers of Covid admissions. So this is worrying.”

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden answered a question on how long the restrictions will be in place for.

He said: “Initially, in discussions with Government we are certainly talking about two weeks – and then having weekly reviews after that.

“I think the simplest answer is those restrictions will be in place for as long as they’re needed and that is subject to further review and discussions with Government as we progress.

“And obviously the key benchmark for that is going to be the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Warrington as we move forward.”

Steve Park, the council’s director of growth, said businesses want clarity.

He stated that he understands the ‘anxiety’ among businesses but told residents the town’s economy remains broadly ‘resilient’ and that he is confident it will ‘bounce back’.

Mr Park added that some of the hardest hit in the workforce are those aged 16-24 – and highlighted the new Kickstart programme.

He said the council should have more information on the scheme in the next week or two.