Knowsley’s Covid infection rate has fallen to its lowest point in three months.
The past week saw the number of new Covid-19 infections in Knowsley drop below 100 cases per 100,000 residents for the first time since December 11, showing the success of continuing lockdown measures in the borough.
There were only 140 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the borough during the week up to March 1, less than 10% of the levels seen at the peak of the third wave in early January.
But despite this dramatic decline, cases are still much higher than they were during the summer and could increase again once children return to school on Monday (March 8).
The return to school will see mass testing offered to secondary school pupils across the borough, with each child receiving three tests in the first two weeks of term.
The tests are voluntary but will help identify asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 and prevent the virus from spreading throughout schools by providing results within 30 minutes.
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is really important we all play our part in keeping our schools open and moving the country down the roadmap to recovery.
“Schools, parents and pupils across Knowsley have done a fantastic job in adapting to remote learning. However, we believe that classroom learning is vital to our children and young people’s development.
“I urge all parents to consent to testing where possible and play their roles in slowing the spread of the virus.”
Find the number of people vaccinated near you by entering your postcode below
The week also saw the number of people dying from Covid-19 halve with just nine people dying due to the virus in the week up to March 1 compared to 20 in the previous week.
As well as declining cases, the successful rollout of the Covid vaccine could be playing a part in reducing deaths and serious illness.
Almost 49,000 Knowsley residents had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine by the end of February, equivalent to around 40% of the borough’s adult population.
But the council has continued to urge residents to stick to the rules, saying vaccination is not “a free pass” to break lockdown.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “It is really important that people follow the current Covid-19 guidance and help us continue on the road to recovery.
“It has been a very difficult few months and I know that people are keen to get out and enjoy the brighter days, but it is also important to keep safe and stop the spread of the virus.
“From past experience we know that when restrictions are eased, people become complacent and cases creep up. If we want to move back to normality as quickly as possible, it is vital that everyone follows the rules.”
