THE people of Halton need to take action to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Halton.

This is the rallying cry from director of public health Eileen O’Meara, following a rise in the number of positive cases in the borough.

According to Halton Borough Council, there have been 55 confirmed cases of the virus in the seven days up to September 8, demonstrating a significant rise from previous weeks.

And while Ms O’Meara says that this remains lower than other areas of Cheshire, Merseyside and the north west, residents must continue to follow guidance in place to keep everyone safe.

“Like areas right across the country this week, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of positive cases in our community,” she said.

“While the number of cases is still below those in places where local lockdowns have been put in place, the increase is a cause for concern.

“Our investigations of the positive cases tell us that small increases are occurring across all age groups and across all areas of the borough.

“We have to take action now to put a stop to further increases that could, if left unchecked, take us into a position where local measures would need to be considered.

“That is why I am today reminding all Halton residents of how important it is to follow the guidance that is in place to keep you and our community safe.”

This guidance includes washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering when in shops and on public transport, keeping a two-metre distance from others and getting a coronavirus test immediately if showing symptoms.

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O’Meara added: “I am also asking local businesses to work with us to ensure that workplaces and venues are Covid-secure and that everything is being done to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.

“Doing these things together is the only way we will stop the increases that we are seeing.

“Right across Halton, we have all worked really hard to bring this awful virus under control, and I know nobody wants to go back to where we were a few months ago.

“Please follow the guidelines and ensure your friends and families do the same.”