MORE than 5,500 coronavirus tests have been carried out in Northwich and Winsford since May 30, after all residents were advised to get tested amid a surge in case numbers.

All Northwich and Winsford residents were urged to book a coronavirus test by Cheshire West and Chester Council following an increased number of cases in both towns – and this advice still stands.

The council says the cases are likely to be the Delta variant which is more transmissible.

To reduce the spread, residents should book a PCR test even if they do not have symptoms.

Around 5,500 tests have been carried out in the towns since May 30.

This includes the local testing sites at Queensway in Winsford and at the Old Depot in Northwich, as well as the mobile testing units brought into Winsford Academy car park and Cumberland Car Park in Northwich.

Speaking last week on June 3 when the original appeal was first published, a spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Over the past seven days we have seen a large increase in the number of cases of Covid-19, resulting in a number of outbreaks in businesses and schools.

“Similar to the North West, the current increase in the number of new cases is more likely to belong to the variant B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) which is more transmissible than other previous variants.

“To reduce the spread of the virus, and understand the extent of the spread, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Public Health Team is now advising all residents in Northwich and Winsford to book a PCR test whether they have symptoms or not.

“To book a test you should visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and select ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms‘ or call 119.

“It is extremely important that Every Northwich and Winsford resident is urged to get Covid-19 test after a surge in cases everyone in this local community gets tested, so that prompt public health actions can be implemented to prevent outbreaks and the impact on the local population and economy.

“It is also important for schools to continue twice weekly testing with LFT to prevent spread in schools and avoid school disruption.

“We would also encourage anyone who is eligible and has not yet received their first vaccination to book in using the national booking portal nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.

“Anyone due for their second dose should also take up the offer as soon as possible.”

Residents in Northwich and Winsford who have not had a PCR test since May 14 should access a test unless they have tested positive in the past 90 days.

This also extends to residents in nearby and outlying villages.