MORE than 450 positive Covid cases were identified in Northwich and Winsford as the council ramped up testing at the height of the June outbreak.

Chester West and Chester Council appealed to residents of both towns to come forward for one-off PCR tests in response to rising cases of the Delta variant in those parts of the borough.

Residents responded to the council's appeal as testing rates soared from 308 per 100,000 on June 1 to 1,044 by June 14.

This helped the council identify a total of 452 cases in the towns, enabling those who tested positive to self-isolate, assist with contact tracing and break transmission of the virus.

These figures have been released as more than 250,000 residents in the borough have received their first dose of a vaccine and more than 204,000 have had a second jab.

This equates to 85 per cent of eligible residents receiving one dose and 69 per cent receiving two.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of CWAC, has now thanked residents for their efforts in fighting the virus.

She added: “It is an ongoing battle to control the spread of this virus. And one that we all must fight.

“The virus is still very active and amongst us. Cheshire West and Chester has a current seven-day infection rate of 257 per 100,000 up to July 28. Only a couple of months ago the rate was in single figures.

“Despite this it is heartening to see the response that we had during the periods of surge testing from residents, businesses and people working in those areas.

“The rates are highest in the 10-29 age range and we are now seeing more people (currently more than 70 admissions) requiring treatment for Covid in our local hospitals.

“So much good work has been done and so I ask everyone to continue with all the good practices that have helped to reduce the spread of the virus and have protected our communities and loved ones since this horrible virus arrived. Please get vaccinated as soon as you can and continue to test.

“Above all please be kind, considerate and respectful of the health of others.”

Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test by visiting: gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling: 119.

Covid-19 vaccination appointments are now available to anyone aged 18 or over. To book visit: nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call: 119.