Coronavirus in the North West: What's the latest? | ITV News Granada

Coronavirus in the North West: What's the latest?

There have been at least nine new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the North West by Public Health England.

This is the second-largest increase of cases in the region, with ten new cases being confirmed yesterday.

The confirmed cases in the North West are in the following places:

  • 1 in Lancashire

  • 2 in Oldham

  • 1 in Rochdale

  • 1 in Trafford

  • 1 in Wirral

  • 1 in Cheshire West and Chester

  • 2 in Stockport

Today's rise in confirmed cases in the UK from 590 to 798 is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began.

This is a jump of 208, which is 35% up on the equivalent figure for Thursday and it is the first time the day-on-day increase has been higher than 200.

One week ago, on March 6, the total number of cases stood at 163.

Today's total of 798 is almost five times greater than the equivalent figure one week ago.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know

Yesterday the government announced that the UK had moved into the "delay phase" meaning that anyone with a new continuous cough or fever should self-isolate for seven days.

Today it was announced that all elite football fixtures will be postponed until April 4 because of the outbreak.

Manchester City fullback, Benjamin Mendy, is self-isolating after a member of his family tested positive for the disease, meanwhile, an Everton player is also in isolation after showing symptoms of the virus.

Downing Street has also taken the decision to suspend the local and metro mayor elections due to take place on May 7 for one year.

Boris Johnson made the decision over concerns that voters would be heading to polling stations during the height of the Covid-19 outbreak.

It means that Metro Mayors, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham, will remain in their roles for another year.