Council stresses importance of Covid-19 measures as infection rates rise in neighbouring boroughs

Cheshire East Council is reminding residents of the importance of social distancing guidance and other measures, as Covid-19 case numbers rise in the North-west.

Infection rates in nearby Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire have all climbed in recent days, despite additional restrictions being in place in some areas.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cabinet member for public health and corporates services at Cheshire East Council, said:

While the infection rate in Cheshire East remains generally low, there has been a rise in infections across the region during the past few weeks and this is something we need to eradicate. 

“We know many residents are enjoying being able to get back to socialising with friends following the relaxation in measures around pubs and restaurants, and to get back some sense of normality that the countrywide lockdown took away. However, we must all do the right thing for Cheshire East by remembering that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and we should not allow complacency to set in.   

“From Monday 14 September social gatherings of more than six people are banned, this applies to meeting friends both indoors and outdoors. 

“We all should continue to try and stay at least two metres apart from anyone we do not live with and to keep a consistent high level of hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds. Do this as soon as you get home. Where soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your face.

“Wear a face covering if you can – you must do so on public transport, in shops, cinemas, theatres and when you go to medical appointments. (Some people do not have to wear a face covering, such as children under three and people with certain health conditions.) 

“Residents visiting restaurants and pubs are urged to abide by the social distancing measures that each establishment has in place, and to ensure they provide contact details as required so that the NHS track and trace system can be put into place should a rise in cases be pinpointed to one of the places they have visited.”

Anyone developing any coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and book a Covid-19 test through the NHS test and trace system. 

Coronavirus symptoms to look out for include:

• A new continuous cough;
• A high temperature and; 
• A change or loss of your normal sense of smell or taste

If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, you’ll be alerted by the NHS test and trace service. This alert will come to you either by text, phone call or email and you’ll be given instructions to contact the NHS test and trace service and begin to self-isolate. 

You must then self-isolate for up to 10 days, even if you aren’t symptomatic, because it can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear. If you then start to develop coronavirus symptoms you should book a test.

By following these measures, you will be protecting yourself, your family, your friends and the wider community. Along with partners, Cheshire East Council have a comprehensive outbreak prevention, management and support plan in place and will continue to monitor and manage reports of local infections.