TWO more Covid patient deaths have been recorded in Cheshire hospitals in the past week.

The deaths of the two patients were at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the other at the Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust, recorded on July 12 and July 13 respectively.

The sad news comes as the number of Covid patients being treated in Cheshire hospitals continues to rise and the NHS is reminding the public that face masks will be mandatory in healthcare settings for staff, patients and visitors.

Latest available figures from the NHS show that, as of 8am on Tuesday, July 13, there were 52 Covid patients in hospitals across the county's four main hospital trusts.

That is an increase of 21 on the previous week's 31.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS trust was recorded as having 18 Covid patients (up six from last week), with five of them on mechanical ventilator beds.

Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust was recorded as treating 17 Covid patients (up seven from last week), with two on mechanical ventilator beds.

The Countess of Chester Hospital Trust was recorded as treating 11 Covid patients (up six from last week), with three on a mechanical ventilator bed.

East Cheshire Hospital Trust was recorded as treating six Covid patients (up two from last week), with two on a mechanical ventilator bed.

The total of Covid patients being treated is still a fraction from that experienced in previous waves of the pandemic.

England’s Chief Nurse has reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.

“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.

“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.

“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”

Residents are being urged to get tested, even if they have had their vaccinations, to stop the spread of the virus as case rates continue to rise in all parts of the county.

They are also being urged to book their vaccination appointments, if they have not done so already.

Anyone aged 18 or over can book online now at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.