MORE than 160 cases of coronavirus were confirmed across Cheshire East and West boroughs over the weekend.

In Cheshire West, which includes Northwich and Winsford, there had been a total of 2,635 Covid-19 cases in the borough by 9am today, September 28.

That was an increase of 88 new cases from the same time last Friday, September 25.

Meanwhile in Cheshire East – including Knutsford, Wilmslow and Middlewich – 79 new cases of coronavirus over the weekend took the total to 2,797 by 9am today.

That means the two boroughs saw a total of 167 new Covid-19 cases over the course of three days.

It was the highest weekend increase of Covid-19 cases across both boroughs so far in the second wave.

Cheshire West had 66 new cases of coronavirus and Cheshire East had 47 between 9am on Friday, September 18, and Monday, September 21 – a total of 111.

In the weekend before that, Cheshire West had 46 new cases and Cheshire East had 48, a total of 94.

The data from Public Health England (PHE) includes tests carried out by NHS or PHE laboratories, as well as tests carried out by commercial partners.

Both boroughs currently have a higher rate of coronavirus infection than the English average, although both are lower than many other parts of the north west, including Warrington and Halton.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, Cheshire East Council leader, urged residents in the borough to stay at home as much as possible in a video on twitter earlier today amid an ‘alarming’ rise in cases.

“I believe that additional restrictions will be needed and I urge people to only go out where necessary,” he said.

“If you are in a high-risk group – for example, elderly or obese – then I suggest that you only go out to exercise.

“We’re not in lockdown in Cheshire East, but please think back to when we were in lockdown.

“Work from home wherever possible and only go out when really necessary, for example, to go to school or if your work requires it.”

From today, it is now mandatory to self-isolate for 14 days if you have symptoms of coronavirus or risk facing a £1,000 fine.

If you have a dry, continuous cough, a high fever or a loss of taste or smell, self-isolate and book a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus