THE Covid-19 case rate in St Helens has continued to fall and there has not been a death related to the virus at the area's hospitals for three weeks, official figures show.

An update of the situation for every local authority area in England has shown that in St Helens the rate stood at 26.6 cases per 100,000 for the seven days to April 3.

There had been 48 cases in that period. In the previous week there had been 79 cases at a rate of 43.7.

Meanwhile, official data shows the last Covid-19 related death at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust was recorded on March 15, underlining the improving picture.

The overall death toll at the hospitals since the start of the pandemic stands at 708.

The vaccination programme in St Helens continues to move at a steady pace.

A spokesperson for St Helens Clinical Care Commissioning group said that by midweek, 104,000 first doses and 12,600 second doses have been given.

The CCG added that 92 per cent of St Helens' over 50s population are now vaccinated.

People are reminded of the risks the virus still poses and are urged to be cautious ahead of lockdown easing further on April 12.