A SENIOR Wirral councillor has said it is the 'collective responsibility' of everyone to help stop the spread of Covid-19 after the borough was placed on a coronavirus danger watchlist because of spiralling infection rates. 

Councillor Janette Williamson's concerns came after the annoucement earlier this afternoon that the area - along with Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens - was on Public Health England's growing list of areas of concern.

The rise in infections in the region needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

It is does not at this stage mean any additional local restrictions, but does place areas on alert that without significant and immediate efforts to bring down the rate of infection, a localised ‘lockdown’ could be required.

Measures aimed at halting its spread could include additional targeted testing at high-risk areas or groups, enhanced communication on the importance of social distancing, hand hygiene.

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/18714243.wirral-coronavirus-danger-list/

Wirral Council cabinet member, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: "We have been concerned about the rise in the numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Wirral over the past few weeks.

"We have already taken a number of steps, including ramping up testing capacity and issuing renewed advice and guidance to residents, to encourage them to do what they can to reduce the risk of them contracting the virus.

"Clearly, this development brings the reality of our current situation and that of our neighbours into sharper focus.

"Authorities will continue to do as much as we can - we are working closely with businesses to ensure that premises are adhering to Covid guidelines and with community leaders to strengthen our message to residents.

"But we really have to impress upon everyone the need for us all to be responsible with our behaviour and follow the rules extremely closely.

"We must ensure we keep Wirral well.

"We do not want a local lockdown.

"We know it affects the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents.

"We have seen the damage lockdown does to livelihoods and businesses.

"We can only avoid going back to that if people continue to play their part.

"We have a collective responsibility to keep ourselves and others well.

"Be more vigilant and get the basics right – wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering in situations where you might come into close contact with others outside of your own household but try to keep more than two metres away from others if possible."