We're over 500 COVID-19 cases in Macclesfield once more, as the Omicron variant rip-roars through our town.

On the day that the World Health Organisation announced a 'storm' of Omicron is pushing through the UK and Europe, we thought we would break down the latest case data in our area.

While it is not known how many specifically Omicron cases there are in Macclesfield, we do know how many positive tests have been reported in our area for the last seven days up to Wednesday December 15.

This is the latest data set available for our town, as of publication of this article.

The new variant has not been declared dominant yet in our country, but it will likely be by the end of the year, with countries such as the US and Ireland already declaring it as their No. 1 strain.

The latest GOV.UK data for Macclesfield's ten wards report that all but two areas reported an increase in coronavirus cases.

Listed in Alphabetical order, (brackets) denote a change from the point of the previous seven days (December 15)

COVID-19 Cases by Macclesfield ward

Bollington 72 (up 43)

Central Macclesfield 73 (no change)

Gawsworth & Macclesfield Forest 59 (+17)

Macclesfield Bolinbrook 60 (+16)

Macclesfield East & Hurdsfield 57 (+21)

Macclesfield South & Lyme Green 47 (+20)

Macclesfield Tytherington 42 (+16)

Macclesfield Weston 28 (-9)

Macclesfield Upton Priory & Greenside 50 (+10)

Prestbury & Adlington 41 (+12)

As is most commonly so throughout the pandemic, Central Macclesfield remains the highest for case figures. This is due to the large concentration of unvaccinated kids and young people.

The total figures of cases from the latest data comprising of the seven days to December 15 was 529.

This is 164 more than the previous seven days up to December 8, which was 365.

And it is not just Macclesfield where cases are up. Between 14 December 2021 and 20 December 2021, 2,779 people had a confirmed positive test result across Cheshire East. This shows an increase of 65.0% compared to the previous seven days.

At least 77.6% of people in Central Macclesfield aged 12+ have been vaccinated up to and including 19 December 2021.

While it is not known if any were at Macclesfield District General Hospital, across East Cheshire NHS Trust, 2 people with coronavirus went into hospital on 12 December 2021.

Between 6 December 2021 and 12 December 2021, 9 went into hospital with coronavirus. This shows an increase of 28.6% compared to the previous 7 days.

There were seven patients in hospital with coronavirus on 14 December 2021.

Some people in the hospital need to use a special device called a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe.

There was one local coronavirus patient in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator on 14 December 2021.

There was one Cheshire East death within 28 days of a positive test for coronavirus reported on 20 December 2021.

Between 14 December 2021 and 20 December 2021, there have been four deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. This shows a decrease of -20.0% compared to the previous seven days.

It is not all doom and gloom. COVID-19 vaccination capacity has been doubled across Cheshire in response to the Omicron variant, according to Cheshire East Clinical Commissioning Group.

An additional 30,000 booster jabs were administered in Cheshire last week – compared to the week before – with eligible residents encouraged to book ahead where possible via the National Booking Service (or by calling 119).

Clare Watson, Accountable Officer of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "We've worked swiftly to enable as many people as possible to get their COVID-19 booster vaccinations as quickly as possible – doubling our capacity in the space of a week.

"There has been a fantastic response from the people of Cheshire so far, who recognise the importance of protecting themselves and their families from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

"If you're eligible, please book ahead where possible to get a timed appointment slot and avoid having to queue. There are lots of options this week and next and dozens of sites to choose from."

Vaccination is clinically-proven to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

This week, pharmaceuticals firm Modern says the third dose of their vaccine increases antibodies against the Omicron variant by 37-fold.

In addition to the wide-ranging offer available via the National Booking Service, many GP-led services continue to call in eligible patients locally.

See also: Jobs in Macclesfield: Cheshire East awarded £1 million to recruit care staff

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