What happened on first day of Covid lockdown in Warrington

Then Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the national declaration on television.

By then seven people had tested positive in Warrington, one dying in Warrington Hospital.

The day also saw many public venues in town, such as The Halliwell Jones Stadium, confirm their closure while rainbows started to appear in homes.

While we captured the scenes as Warrington town centre was in effect closed for the first time.

Here are some of the stories from that day as we reported them at the time.

How many cases in Warrington

THERE are now seven cases of coronavirus in Warrington and Halton according to the latest Government figures.

The first person died on Thursday at Warrington Hospital.

According to the latest update published this evening, there are now more than 6,600 with the virus in England and 335 deaths.

The first case in Warrington was confirmed just under two weeks ago.

A 59-year-old man who had tested positive for covid-19 died in Warrington Hospital on Thursday.

It is understood that he had an underlying health condition.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Simon Constable said: “We can confirm that, sadly, a 59-year old male patient has passed away at Warrington Hospital on Thursday, March 19.

“The patient had tested positive for covid-19.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time."

Halliwell Jones Stadium closed to the public

WARRINGTON Wolves have confirmed they have closed The Halliwell Jones Stadium to the general public amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The club have made the move after considering "the health and safety of all those associated with the club, and wider community, to be the main priority."

Staff are working from home where possible and incoming phone calls cannot be answered apart from calls to the lottery office.

The club are asking lottery members to help us by increasing the amount they pay, where possible, as this will ensure they are entered into the draw for the coming weeks.

They can do this by calling the lottery office on 01925 248893 with the option to make a card payment or set up a direct debit.

The club reception, official club store and ticket office will be closed until further notice.

All community and Charitable Foundation activities at the stadium will be ceased but the club and Foundation will continue to check on the welfare of vulnerable supporters and groups.

Merchandise, memberships and certain event tickets remain available online

Baker gives away free cupcakes to cheer on NHS staff

THE owner of Little Box of Treats has been making cupcakes to thank and 'cheer on' NHS staff at the frontline of the pandemic.

Sue Kelly, the founder of the Stockton Heath Chinese bakery has made almost 150 cakes which have been delivered by community volunteers and she plans to make even more if it is safe to do so.

The former Woolston High School student said: "I just want to cheer them on, they’re doing a great job and it will get even harder for them over the few weeks and months.

"Emotions and anxieties have been running high over the past few days so I’ve decided to keep myself busy. I’m not sure how many more I’ll make, it’s a risk coming out the house but I’ll try and make more if I can."

Sue has also been making face masks for youngsters.

The masks have little protection value from coronavirus and are simply to help children understand what is going on at the moment.

First pictures of an eerie looking empty Warrington

THESE eerie photographs show Warrington town centre empty in the wake of the government's lockdown announcement.

Last night, Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people can only leave their homes for limited reasons, such as for buying food or medicine.

All non-essential stores were ordered to close as part of a nation-wide effort to control the spread of coronavirus.

Marko Chork sent in these photographs shortly after the announcement, showing a deserted town centre as people listened to government advice.

The only lights on are the few takeaway premises still permitted to be open.

Rainbows start to appear on windows in Warrington

THEY have been popping up in the windows of homes across the town to help spread a bit of cheer.

But if you're a household that doesn't have any paints or felt tips to create your own rainbow then we have a solution for you.

The idea of painting rainbow pictures and putting them in the windows of homes quickly spread on social media over the weekend after a post suggested it might help brighten some people's day.

Youngsters were encouraged to put pen to paper while they stay at home to avoid the spread of coronavirus and displaying them in the window would give other families something to look out for while they stretch their legs on their daily walk.

Hospital to empty to free up beds for Covid patients

ANYONE who does not need to be in Warrington Hospital will be released by Friday to free up beds for coronavirus patients.

Warrington Borough Council has confirmed that it is working closely with health officials to manage the virus and has been asked by the government to focus on emptying the hospital.

This will impact on the care they can provide to existing service users and significant change is required to how front line services will operate.

Care providers are working now with families, service users and other carers to reduce or change care plans so they can prioritise supporting people home from hospital and the most vulnerable residents.

Council leader, cllr Russ Bowden, said: "There has been a heartening response from the public in wanting to support the most vulnerable in our community.

"Here in Warrington we have approximately 2,600 people receiving care and support in the community. We are doing all we can to avoid disruption to this care that they receive, which keeps them safe and well.

"We expect, wherever possible, people will make their own arrangements with family and friends and we anticipate that all non-essential care visits will stop so we can prioritise care to those who have no other means of support.

"We ask for your understanding and support as our key services continue to respond to an ever-changing landscape.

"In the past couple of days we have made our plans to support the very vulnerable who require additional protection as they have to remain at home for the next few months.

"For those who have requested help, we are mobilising support from the council, the voluntary sector and the taxi trade."

The current priorities are: • Keeping the most vulnerable people safe and well at home.

• Ensuring people can get out of hospital in a timely way, so that the most poorly can go in and be cared for.

In the meantime, you can support the most vulnerable by following the clear, updated national guidance. You should now stay at home by default.

You should only leave the house to: • Shop for basic and essential necessities like food and medicine • Do one form of exercise a day, like a walk, run or cycle • Receive any medical treatment or provide care/ help to a vulnerable person • Travel to and from work, but only where work absolutely can’t be done at home Cllr Bowden added: "The curbs are strict, but they will be necessary to stop the spread of the virus. We all have to play our part to beat the bug."