A Merseyside region has reported one of the highest infection rates in the country as Covid cases soar.
The Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly in communities, and one borough appears to be suffering more than most.
Knowsley's infection rate is now the second highest in the country, and as of January 5, stands at 2,672.3 per 100,000 - the highest it has ever been since the start of the pandemic.
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The increase in positive cases is also now moving into hospitals with admissions increasing
According to Knowsley Council, both St Helens and Knowsley Trust and Liverpool University Hospitals Trust both have 15 per cent of their beds taken up by Covid patients – up from around eight per cent the previous week.
An "incredible strain" is also being felt on local services, schools and businesses as many residents in the borough are having to self isolate or take time off work to look after loved ones.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, said: “It is really important that we all work together to bring down the rate of infection in Knowsley.
“Although many people have reported the latest variant to mild, we are still seeing an increase in hospitalisations and there are still many unknowns about the long-term health implications of the virus. In particular, for those suffering with long Covid.
“Taking the steps outlined above will help reduce the spread of the virus, protect our communities and reduce the strain that our local services and businesses are currently feeling. I urge everyone to play their role and help keep Knowsley safe.”
Knowsley residents are now being urged to "help protect" the borough and take steps to reduce the spread of the virus.
The council is urging residents to get their Covid vaccine which is the "best defensive against getting very sick" and to test regularly to stop spreading the virus unknowingly.
Elsewhere in Merseyside, infection rates also surge with Liverpool seeing 2,376.5 per 10,000 people based on data for the week up to January 3.
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