HEALTH chiefs have issued a warning of rising Covid cases in Crewe as well as a low take-up of vaccinations.

They say there has been "a significant increase in confirmed cases both in Crewe and Sandbach with various outbreaks linked to educational settings.

Cheshire East Council says it is working closely with schools as well as carrying out additional testing in both towns.

The current case rate for Cheshire East borough is 476.9 per 100,000 population, which is considerably higher than the rate for England (356).

But Crewe accounts for one in five of all Covid-19 cases in the borough and cases per 100,000 population have soared towards and over 600 in some areas. Sandbach has a rate of 843 in the northern area of the town.

On Thursday (September 30) there were 363 cases in Cheshire East while over the last seven days the 1,950 positive results were a rise of 158 on the previous week.

Some areas of Crewe have particularly high rates such as Wistaston Green (562.2 cases per 100,000 on September 25), Crewe Gresty Road (599), Crewe South West and Wistaston (624.4) and Willaston and Shavington (599).

Three weeks previously, on September 7, most of the rates per 100,000 population were below 400 in the Crewe area.

Cheshire East says around half of the people who have tested positive are children and young people aged up to 19, with the 40 to 49 age group of concern as well, among people who may be parents, relatives, or close family friends.

More testing sites will be available in Crewe and Sandbach over the coming weeks for both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing.

A Cheshire East spokesperson said: "Residents in Crewe and Sandbach are strongly encouraged to continue regular twice weekly lateral flow testing, to maintain social distancing, wear a face covering where required to do so and follow the latest public health guidance to protect themselves and others."

Everyone is being reminded that if they develop any Covid symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test via the NHS website.

While the vaccination programme continues to go well in the borough the levels of uptake remain "worryingly low" in Crewe, according to health chiefs.

They are urging all Crewe residents to get their vaccinations as soon as possible.

You can visit the government's online postcode checker to find your nearest 'Grab a jab' centre. Anyone aged 18 or over or within 3 months of their 18th birthday can book their vaccination appointments online now here or by calling 119.