COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly in Wirral, as lockdown restrictions ease and the Indian variant takes hold.

In recent months, cases have plummeted in Wirral as they have done across much of the country, but now this pattern is beginning to change.

After a surge in cases, Wirral now has the highest infection rate in the Liverpool City Region.

Julie Webster, Wirral's director of public health, gave a warning to people in the borough.

Ms Webster said: "In the last week, many areas across the country have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and Wirral is no different.

"We are now seeing on average 12 cases a day when two weeks ago it was as low as just two.

"This increase in cases is due to the easing of restrictions and people socialising more and also the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant which was first identified in India."

Although the number of infections in Wirral is still relatively small, certainly compared to previous peaks in the pandemic, the very latest figures show a steep increase.

In the week up to May 29, Wirral's rate was 23.2 per 100,000, a sharp rise on the rate of 5.6 per 100,000 recorded the week before.

COVID-19 case numbers are also rising in other parts of our region, with Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens all recording a rise in their infection rates.

Knowsley's weekly rate climbed to 16.6 per 100,000 from 8.0 per 100,000 last week.

Liverpool's rate has risen from 8.2 to 19.1 in the same period, while in St Helens the rate has jumped from 8.9 last week to 20.0 this week.

Warning about the potential of the Indian variant to spread, Ms Webster added: "The new variant is very transmissible which is why we all need to keep following the guidelines and meet up safely.

"It is vitally important that we continue to do the right things, remember hands, face, space and fresh air, get vaccinated and take up the offer of regular testing.

"We do know that the COVID-19 vaccine still provides strong protection and I would encourage those who are eligible to join over 200,000 Wirral residents in getting vaccinated when you are offered the jab.

"Making sure you have both doses of the vaccine really is your best protection from COVID-19 and serious illness."

Wirral's public health boss said testing is also part of the borough's answer to rising case numbers.

Ms Webster added: "It is also important we all take up the offer of regular symptom-free testing to ensure infection is identified quickly and onward spread of the virus is stopped in its tracks.

"We have worked hard to drive down cases and one of the ways is by providing easy access to testing.

"We will again have mobile testing vehicles out and about in high footfall areas during half-term this week, with staff available to help you take a test and give out kits to carry out testing at home.

"Regular testing will help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Let's do all we can to Keep Wirral Well."