The leaders of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council are sending a joint message to everyone across the county: if we act now, we have time to avoid a new peak in infections and a local lockdown.
In the seven days up to Saturday 12 September, there were 106 confirmed COVID-19 cases in west Cheshire and 100 confirmed cases in east Cheshire, a four-fold increase on recent case numbers.
With the number of infections even higher in Merseyside, Warrington and Halton and these areas facing the prospect of greater lockdown restrictions from Tuesday 22 September, the council leaders feel the next seven days offer a crucial opportunity to curb the number of infections.
The councils are also putting enhanced prevention measures in place and will act through local powers if necessary to protect the public.
All residents are asked to:
keep to the rule of six
wash hands regularly
wear a face covering in places where social distancing may be difficult
social distance by two metres in public.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms of a high fever, new and continuous cough or a change in or loss of taste or smell, get tested by calling: 119 or visiting: nhs.uk/coronavirus.
There is the following advice for workplaces.
All staff providing table service in hospitality venues are advised to wear face coverings.
All hospitality venues should take customer contact details and refuse to serve customers who fail to give details.
All venues must enforce strict social distancing, including queues outside premises and drinkers/smokers outside premises.
All venues must strictly enforce the rule of six.
All retail staff should wear a face covering unless they are always behind a screen.
Retail outlets are advised to report generally poor customer compliance with face coverings to Cheshire Police or the local authority.
Retail outlets are advised to enforce strict social distancing.
Latest advice about schools for parents and pupils
With schools reopening, there will be some anxieties and concerns among parents and other people looking after young children. It’s important everyone follows the latest guidance, including only getting a test if you have one of the three symptoms of COVID-19.
We’ve put together a video with Dr Chris Ritchieson, Medical Director at the Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership, providing clear guidance for pupils and parents.