Cheshire West and Chester Council welcomes restrictions easing but advises caution

England’s lockdown restrictions eased on Monday 29 March, with the public being able to meet outdoors in groups of up to six, as can two households.

Amateur outdoor team sports can also resume including football, hockey, tennis, bowls and golf. 

The restriction to stay at home except for essential journeys is also to be lifted, however travel is still to be contained within the immediate local area and kept to a minimum.

Overnight stays, indoor social meetings and sports are still not allowed.

As from Thursday, 1 April, there is another change set to take place as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable residents will no longer have to shield. Those affected should have received a letter from the government with advice as to how best to protect themselves.

Recommended measures include shopping at quieter times and continuing to work from home.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “This partial relaxation is good news for us all, especially with the Easter holiday coming up. None of us, however, want to see a third wave of this dreadful virus and it is poignant that this relaxation of the rules follows closely after the recent Day of Remembrance and the commemoration of the 126,000 lives lost to COVID-19 in the UK alone over the last 12 months. That’s over 10,000 people a month, 345 people every day.

“So please be cautious - keep travel to the minimum, stay local, remember the rule of six and hands, face, space and fresh air. We all need a break this Easter, but let’s enjoy it carefully and keep that infection rate down.”

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, including a cough that will not stop, a high temperature or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste you must self-isolate immediately and book a test by visiting: nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling: 119.

The Council also advises residents to book a test as a precaution if you have other symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.

These can include shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion or runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. However, it is important to remember that these are very common symptoms, and most people who have these symptoms will not have COVID-19.

Book a test by visiting: nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling: 119.
When booking choose the option that the local council has asked you to get a test. If you only have these wider symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate unless you test positive for COVID-19.