THE number of Covid patients being treated in Cheshire hospitals has begun to rise once more.

Latest available figures from the NHS show that, as of 8am on Tuesday, June 23, there were 27 Covid patients in hospitals across the county's four main hospital trusts.

That is a rise of 17 on the previous week's 10.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS trust was recorded as having 15 Covid patients, with two of them on mechanical ventilator beds.

Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust was recorded as treating seven Covid patients, with three on mechanical ventilator beds.

The Countess of Chester Hospital Trust was recorded as treating four Covid patients, with one on a mechanical ventilator bed.

East Cheshire Hospital Trust was recorded as treating one Covid patient.

While the number has nearly tripled from the previous week, the total of Covid patients being treated is still a fraction from that experienced in previous waves of the pandemic.

And since May 1, just one Covid death has been recorded in Cheshire, in the East Cheshire area on May 28.

Residents are being urged to get tested, even if they have had their vaccinations, to stop the spread of the virus as case rates continue to rise in all parts of the county.

They are also being urged to book their vaccination appointments, if they have not done so already.

Anyone aged 18 or over can book online now at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.