In a major boost for the health service locally, COVID-19 patient numbers fell from 93 on January 25 to 49 on February 1.

It is a big fall and one which suggests Wirral's recent surge in COVID-related hospitalisations is over.

On December 28 last year, there were just 28 people being treated for the virus in Wirral, but this rose to 73 on January 4, and 98 by January 11, before gradually falling.

This week's figures are the first sign of a major fall in the numbers this year.

Julie Webster, Wirral's director of public health, said: "It is good news that things are moving in the right direction, but we still have high levels of the virus present in our communities.

"It remains vital that residents make the right choices to help stop the spread of the virus – including wearing a mask when mixing in crowded spaces and getting all their jabs."

Case numbers have also declined. In the week up to February 1, there were 2,722 COVID-19 cases in Wirral at a rate of 839 per 100,000.

That is down by 15% on the previous week's figure of 3,187 cases at a rate of 982 per 100,000.

While the figures are good news, case levels remain far higher than they were in November and early December, when the infection rate was around 300-400.

The rate is however much lower than it was in early January, when it peaked at 3,401 in the week up to January 4 with more than 11,000 cases recorded.

On the vaccine rollout in the borough, Ms Webster added: "Although almost 80% of Wirral residents who are eligible for the vaccine have had at least two doses, we know that many thousands still haven't had a jab or are yet to complete their two courses and booster.

"We're really pleased to be working with the NHS to offer jabs to residents at times and locations that are convenient for them, throughout February.

"If you've not got around to getting your first, second or booster dose, please make use of our pop-up clinics to get fully vaccinated and give yourself the maximum protection from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19."