Wirral residents are being asked to meet outdoors, get their jabs and stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases surge in the borough.

More than 2,000 infections were recorded in Wirral in the week up to March 12, a sharp rise of 62% from the week before.

Hospitalisations are also up to 58, another major rise and the highest figure seen since January 31.

Julie Webster, Wirral's director of public health, said: "The latest figures are a stark reminder that the pandemic is far from over here in Wirral. Legal restrictions may have come to an end, but to keep our most vulnerable residents safe, I strongly urge everyone to do all they can to stop the spread.

"Get all your jabs, when offered – it's never too late to get your first, second or booster. Please wear a mask when using public transport or in crowded spaces – and wash or sanitise your hands regularly. Remember to get tested before going into a health or social care setting or meeting elderly friends and relatives."

Commenting on other steps residents can take to combat surging case numbers, Ms Webster added: "Fresh air can make a huge difference. Take advantage of the spring weather by meeting outside – or, at the very least, open a window when mixing indoors.

"If you feel unwell or have symptoms, please get tested and stay at home. Avoid mixing with anyone outside of your household and, if you absolutely must go out, make sure you keep your distance from others.

"If you do test positive or have COVID symptoms, remember to tell the people you have been in contact with during the two days before. Carry tissues to catch your cough or sneeze – and make sure you put them in the bin as soon as possible."

Looking more closely at the worrying numbers for hospitals, there were 58 COVID patients on March 15, a major increase on the figure of 39 recorded last week, with just 15 hospitalised with the virus in Wirral the week before.

Yet this is not translating into more deaths so far, with figures remaining low. Breaking case numbers down to a more local level, Bromborough was the most infected part of Wirral on the most recent figures, which cover the week up to March 11, with 115 cases.

Hoylake and Meols (112), Heswall (109) and Bebington (108) are also seeing high case numbers. On the other hand, Oxton (60), Birkenhead and Tranmere (57) and Bidston and St James (55) recorded the lowest number of covid infections.

COVID-19 cases for all Wirral wards:

Bromborough 115

Hoylake and Meols 112

Heswall 109

Bebington 108

Pensby and Thingwall 105

Moreton West and Saughall Massie 102

Upton 97

New Brighton 95

Wallasey 94

Liscard 92

Greasby, Frankby and Irby 86

Eastham 83

Prenton 80

Leasowe and Moreton East 79

West Kirby and Thurstaston 75

Claughton 74

Clatterbridge 70

Rock Ferry 68

Seacombe 67

Oxton 60

Birkenhead and Tranmere 57

Bidston and St James 55