Conor McGinn MP calls for urgent coronavirus briefing

New cases of Covid-19 are rapidly increasing in St Helens, with similar rises being seen regionally and nationally.

Overnight, the Government announced that social gatherings of more than six people, indoors or outdoors, will be illegal in England from Monday, September 14, following a sharp rise in new cases.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to hold a press conference in Downing Street later today to explain the rules in more detail.

Earlier today, St Helens North MP and Shadow Home Office Minister Conor McGinn said he had asked for an "urgent briefing" from St Helens Borough Council and public health officials about the increase in infection rates locally, including in Newton.

Professor Sarah O’Brien, clinical accountable officer of St Helens CCG, gave an update on the developing situation at its governing body this morning.

She said: “In the last week or so, as we seen reported in the news overnight, the rates are rising, everywhere, including in St Helens.

“We are concerned about our rates, locally, and regionally the rates, as is nationally, is going up.

“I think the main thing is about the comms and the communication to the public about social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks.

“And obviously overnight we’ve seen a change in guidance from the Government around the number of people around social gatherings, from Monday.”

Professor Sarah O’Brien, clinical accountable officer of St Helens CCG and executive director of people's services at St Helens Borough Council

Prof O’Brien, who is also the executive director for people’s services for St Helens Borough Council, added: “We are, locally, working very well together, in partnership, as we always do.

“There is a health protection board meeting at least fortnightly and when we need to, weekly.

“And there is an outbreak management board, chaired by the leader of the council.

“So we’re doing everything we can, as a partnership, to work together to manage the pandemic, as we rightly should.”

For the seven days to September 5, St Helens had an infection rate of 31 per 100,000 population, according to Public Health England (PHE) data.

This is a sharp rise from the rolling seven-day rate the previous week (7.2).

The infection rate will likely have risen further still following a number of new cases in recent days.

Between Friday and Monday, 35 new cases were added to St Helens’ total, with 12 more cases added on Tuesday.

While cases are rising, hospital admissions for Covid-19 remain low across the country, with just two people currently in Whiston Hospital and none in its ICU.

This is because the majority of new cases are being found in people in their 20s and 30s, and are therefore less likely to becomes seriously ill.

The fear is this could eventually filter through to the older population, who are more vulnerable to the virus, leading to more hospital admissions and deaths.

In addition, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered if an area records more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people.

It is understood that many of the new cases seen in the past week have been linked to Newton-le-Willows and Haydock.

On Saturday morning, The Kirkfield, on Church Street, Newton-le-Willows, announced it had temporarily closed its doors after learning some of its visitors had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Kirkfield in Newton-le-Willows will remain shut for two weeks after two customers tested positive for Covid-19

Today, The Kirkfield announced on its Facebook page that it would remain closed until September 19 to allow staff – who have all been tested for Covid-19 – to self-isolate as a further precaution.

The business said it had taken the decision with the owners of Verona Kitchen & Bar on Newton High Street, which will take the same action.

On Tuesday, the housing association Torus contacted residents to warn them of a spike in the area.

A text message, which has been seen the Local Democracy Reporting Service, said: “St Helens Council has advices there has been an increase in coronavirus cases in Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown.

“Please continue to follow Government and Public Health England guidelines.

“Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds and stay at least 2m from others.

“If you were previously advised to shield please take extra precautions.”

Members of the public are urged to continue following key advice such as washing hands, wearing masks and keeping 2m apart from others

St Helens Borough Council has yet to comment specifically about a rise in Newton and Earlestown, but an announcement is expected shortly.

Just after 2.30pm today, St Helens North MP Conor McGinn said the public needed “faster and clearer communication and action” from the authorities.

Speaking on Twitter, Mr McGinn said: “I have asked for an urgent briefing from St Helens Council and public health officials about the increase in infection rates in some parts of the borough, including Newton.

“The public need faster and clearer communication and action from the authorities both nationally and Iocally.”

For all the latest government guidance, visit gov.uk/coronavirus