Wirral has recorded more coronavirus cases than ever before in the latest figures.

In the week up to December 29, the most recently published numbers, Wirral registered 6,592 cases at a rate of 2,033 per 100,000.

Not only is that more cases than at any other stage in the pandemic, it is also more than double the 3,185 cases registered last week at the lower rate of 982 per 100,000.

To put this into perspective, last January when hospitals were coming under huge pressure and we were in a full national lockdown, the highest rate recorded in Wirral was 988 per 100,000, less than half of the current figure.

It is part of a huge rise in the number of cases nationwide, but thanks to the vaccination programme this is not leading to such a severe impact on hospitalisations or deaths.

In Wirral, the most recent figure for the number of people being treated for COVID-19 in hospital, which is for December 28, stands at 28.

This is similar to figures we have seen since October, although the data is a few days behind and the figure of 28 represents a rise from 19 on December 26.

So far, there has been no formal indication that there will be any new restrictions for England in response to the rise in case numbers nationwide.

On December 27, the government confirmed there would be no additional measures imposed before the New Year.

And writing in the Daily Mail on January 1, health secretary Sajid Javid said: "Curbs on our freedom must be an absolute last resort."

Mr Javid has also thanked NHS staff and tens of thousands of volunteers for the success of the vaccine rollout since December 2020, and urged more people to get their booster.

He said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges our health service has ever faced and our historic vaccination programme has been vital in helping us step up to meet this challenge."

Mr Javid added: "But we need to make sure people continue to come forward for their life-saving jab.

"As we go into the New Year, make sure you 'Get Boosted Now' to kick off 2022 with the best possible protection from Omicron."

Click or tap here to visit Keep Wirral Well and book your jab or find awalk-inclinic, or arrange a PCR test