IN the past seven days, more than 7,000 new coronavirus cases were recorded across both Cheshire East and West.

This is made up of 3,821 cases in Cheshire East and 3,408 cases in Cheshire West – up to 4pm on Tuesday, March 29.

These figures come as it was confirmed the first 20 fines will be issued over alleged lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street and Whitehall.

The Metropolitan Police said today, Tuesday, investigators will begin to refer the notices to the ACRO Criminal Records Office, which would be responsible for issuing the penalties.

It is expected further fines could be issued as officers continue to go through the evidence gathered.

The force is investigating at least 12 events, including six the Prime Minister is thought to have attended.

The identities of those issued with fines will not be disclosed by Scotland Yard, although Downing Street has said it will confirm if Mr Johnson is handed a fixed penalty notice (FPN).