There are fewer COVID patients in Wirral's hospitals than at any time since August last year.

In the very latest figures, which cover March 23, Wirral's hospitals were treating five people for the virus.

That is down on 11 the week before and it is also the lowest number registered in the borough since August 31, 2020.

Wirral has seen an incredibly steep decline in patient numbers, given that on January 22, just over two months ago, there were an extraordinary 279 people being treated for the virus in Wirral.

Lower hospital admission figures have been possible due to the way the virus has declined in Wirral.

On January 8, COVID's peak in the borough, the infection rate was over 980 cases per 100,000 people.

In the week up to March 22, the latest figures we have available, the rate was just 29 cases per 100,000 people, with 95 cases recorded.

That is also down on the 105 cases registered in the previous week at a rate of 32 per 100,000 people.

This is good news ahead of a relaxing of restrictions from Monday.

Figures over the next few weeks will show what impact this rule change has on the transmission of the virus.

Here's a quick reminder of what changes after the weekend.

- You will be able to meet outdoors in either groups of six from any number of households, or in a group of any size from up to two households, which can include existing support bubbles

-You will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people - outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen

- Childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children

- Formally organised parent and child groups will be able to take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees.