A Covid ward at Whiston Hospital THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in St Helens increased by 251 within 24 hours, official figures show. The figures underline the rapid acceleration in cases over recent weeks, which is being mirrored across the country. Data released by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, meanwhile, showed the weekly case rate for St Helens had gone up to 578.2 per 100,000 people (to January 4) a rise of 365 from the previous week. St Helens rate has grown significantly but is still the lowest across the neighbouring areas, with Knowsley s rate 944.7, Liverpool s 732.6, Halton s 1000.7, Wirral s 711.2 and Sefton s 713.9. It leaves the overall rate for Liverpool City Region as 750.1 per 100,000. The country is in a strict national lockdown, with school closures and a strong stay at home message.