MORE than 160 people are currently in hospital with Covid-19 as the number of cases in Cheshire West is on the rise again.

In the week leading up to June 24, there was a significant spike in the borough's seven-day infection rate, leaving it at 220 per 100,000 people - an increase of 52 per cent on the week prior.

The number of patients currently being treated in local hospitals has almost doubled from 88 to 164. 

Amid the rise cases, Cheshire West and Chester Council are urging residents to stay Covid-safe.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health at CWAC, said: "We are seeing infection rates go up so it is a good idea we remind ourselves of how to keep each other safe.

"Our best defence is the Covid-19 vaccine. I want to stress that, although we are seeing an increase in the number of people being treated for the virus in local hospitals, this is not the kind of increase we have seen in previous stages of the pandemic.

"This is because of the high number of people who are vaccinated.

"It really is never too late to get your first, second or booster jab, and our teams will welcome anyone who hasn’t had a Covid-19 vaccine yet, please do consider getting yours and come forward. The vaccine is proven to be safe and effective at stopping you from getting seriously ill.

"It’s also a good idea to socialise outdoors this summer – and we’re lucky in Cheshire West and Chester to have some amazing parks and green spaces to meet up in.

"The fresh air blows Covid-19 particles away, so helps stop the spread of the virus, and spending time in the outdoors can also be really good for your mental health.

"Please also consider wearing face coverings when you’re in crowded indoor settings, like shops or public transport.

"If you do feel unwell with symptoms of a respiratory infection, like Covid-19, and you have a high temperature, please try to stay at home and avoid others."

Across the UK and the north west cases are also rising, with the dominant strain changing from the Omicron BA.2 variant.

Latest data shows that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 now make up more than half of the Covid-19 cases in the UK and are driving the increase in infections.

Cllr Louise Gittins, council leader, said: "I think we’d all agree that it has been lovely to have some normality back after the past two years, but it’s important to stay safe when rates do rise.

"There will be lots of plans for holidays and socialising over the summer holidays but please consider meeting up outdoors, face coverings and hand washing as part of these plans, and make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations.

"This infection rate rise will worry us all to a different extent, but we can all play our part to look after each other and be kind."

For more information on how to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For information on services to help mental health and wellbeing visit: www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.