One year on from first coronavirus case in Warrington

The town, the country and indeed the whole world has changed forever over the past 365 days in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have seen three lockdowns – the latest of which we are still in – as well as the ups and downs of the tier system.

Shops, schools, pubs and restaurants have been forced to close, while mask wearing and hand sanitiser use has become the ‘new normal’.

Non-essential shops, hospitality businesses and even schools have been forced to close thier doors over the past year, while working from home has become commonplace

There were times when infection rates and case numbers in Warrington were at worrying levels, with fears that Warrington Hospital could be overwhelmed.

More than 17,000 people have tested positive for the virus over the past year, however cases are currently at their lowest level since September.

With every dark moment, there have been rays of hope – notably the meteoric progress of the town’s vaccination programme.

This began on December 16 at Orford Jubilee Hub with 98-year-old former GP Phillip Leech.

Since then, more than 70,000 people have received their jabs in the fightback against coronavirus.

Phillip Leech - a 98-year-old former GP - became the first person in Warrington to receive the coronavirus vaccine

To mark the anniversary of coronavirus arriving in Warrington, we are looking back at the historic events of March 11, 2020, which gave a taste of what was to come.

The first resident to test positive did so on their return from a visit to Italy – a country which became the epicentre for the pandemic in Europe.

The patient was told to self-isolate, while Warrington Borough Council, Public Health England and the NHS said they were ‘well-prepared’ to deal with Covid-19.

As a result of the confirmation, work began to minimise the risk to the public and to trace others who might have been affected.

Town centre footfall virtually vanished overnight as residents were told to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives

By March 11, the confirmed patient in Warrington – the first in Cheshire – meant that there were 43 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the north west.

At the time, Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, allayed residents’ fears and issued advice we are now all too familiar with.

He said: “We want to reassure the public that the NHS in Warrington and PHE are well prepared for dealing with any cases of coronavirus, and we are working closely together to keep the public as safe as possible.

“However, we all have a crucial role to play in containing the spread of the virus and protecting ourselves and others.

“Please be reminded to wash your hands with soap and water more often and for a duration of 20 seconds each time. If you can’t wash your hands, please use hand sanitiser.”

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health, added: “I would like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low.

There were real fears across the country that hospitals could become overwhelmed by coronavirus patients

“The council is working with health colleagues and a range of other partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Warrington are protected.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family, particularly washing your hands regularly and thoroughly.

“If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then bin it straightaway.”

Residents were also urged to ‘come together and support each other’ rather than panic buying in stores.

This came after apocalyptic scenes in supermarkets of isles of empty shelves and a national surge in demand for toilet paper.

Coronavirus had arrived in Warrington, and with it began a year like no other.