A CORONAVIRUS helpline set up by St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals during the first peak of the pandemic has been reinstated.

The helpline was first launched at the end of March in response to the huge volume of calls the trust, which runs Whiston, St Helens and Knowsley hospitals, was receiving from the public.

As the peak of the first wave subsided, a decision was taken to stand down the service down at the end of June.

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In recent weeks, infection rates throughout the region have rocketed and has led to a rise in admissions at Whiston Hospital.

The resurgence of the virus has also led to the hospital trust receiving an influx in calls relating to Covid-19.

Subsequently, trust bosses have reinstated the helpline.

A spokesman for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “The aim of this service is to provide extra support to people across our community, patients and their families as well as carers and staff – in fact anyone who may have Covid related questions that need answering.

“From understanding symptoms to what to do if one of your household tests positive as well as visiting restrictions, outpatient appointment safety measures and many more topics.

“The team are hoping they can help everyone navigate this challenging and sometimes confusing time.”

The surging infection rates in recent weeks has led to a series of new lockdown measures introduced by the Government, regionally and nationally.

The latest restrictions for the Liverpool City Region, which St Helens and Knowsley are a part of, came into force on Saturday.

Data published by St Helens Borough Council’s public health team today shows there were 577 confirmed cases in the borough between September 28 and October 4, equating to an infection rate of 320.5 per 100,000 people.

The previous week, between September 22 to 28, there were 400 confirmed cases, giving an infection rate of 222.2.

Thatto Heath recorded the highest number of cases and infection rate during the most recent period, with an infection rate of 481.7 from 63 cases.

Infections have been found in all age groups, with the 45 to 59 age category recording the most cases between September 28 and October 4 (157).

A total of 128 positive were recorded in both the 18 to 29 and 30 to 44 age categories.

In addition, 90 cases were recorded in the 60 to 79 age category, while 16 were found in the over 80s.

The surging infection rate across the region has led to a rise in admissions at Whiston Hospital, and led to five deaths at the trust last week alone.

A spokesman for the trust confirmed that admissions are still rising, with a number of patients also being treated for Covid-19 in Whiston’s intensive care unit.

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Since the start of the pandemic in March, the trust, which also runs St Helens and Newton hospitals, has recorded 215 coronavirus deaths

The Covid-19 helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The number to call is 0151 676 5530.

To view the latest coronavirus restrictions and guidance for the Liverpool City Region, click here.