ALL residents in two Cheshire towns are being advised to book a coronavirus test following an increased number of cases in the towns in the past week.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says the cases in Northwich and Winsford are likely to be the Delta (Indian) variant which is more transmissible.

To reduce the spread, residents should book a PCR test even if they do not have symptoms.

This appeal comes after it was recently confirmed that a member of the public who has contracted coronavirus entered a number of pubs in Northwich on Saturday, May 22.

Following the confirmation, the council urged anyone who was out in the town that day to have a PCR test.

A spokesman for the council said: "Over the past seven days we have seen a large increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 resulting in a number of outbreaks in businesses and schools.

"Similar to the North West, the current increase in the number of new cases are more likely to belong to the variant B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) which is more transmissible than other previous variants.

"To reduce the spread of the virus, and understand the extent of spread, Cheshire West and Chester Council's Public Health Team is now advising all residents in Northwich and Winsford to book a PCR test whether they have symptoms or not.

"To book a test you should visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and select ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms‘ or call 119.

"It is extremely important that everyone in this local community gets tested, so that prompt public health actions can be implemented to prevent outbreaks and the impact on the local population and economy.

"It is also important for schools to continue twice weekly testing with LFT to prevent spread in schools and avoid school disruption .

"We would also encourage anyone who is eligible and has not yet received their first vaccination to book in using the national booking portal nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.

"Anyone due for their second dose should also take up the offer as soon as possible."