Cheshire West and Chester remains in Tier 2 over Christmas

Cheshire West and Chester will remain in Tier 2 (High Alert) from 19 December, following a Government review into the borough’s current COVID-19 infection rate.

The decision will mean that gyms, personal care, retail and accommodation can remain open, as can restaurants and entertainment venues, but pubs not serving meals will remain closed. Household mixing and non-essential travel will also not be permitted.

Between 23 and 27 December, residents can form a ‘Christmas bubble’, comprised of people from three households. However, people are encouraged to do this carefully and safely, given the increase being experienced in infection rates across much of the UK.

In Cheshire West and Chester, there has been a slight rise in COVID-19 infections in the last few weeks; with a rate of 125 per 100,000 people from 5 to 11 December.

Council Leader, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “I’d like to thank our residents and businesses. In the last few weeks their efforts have helped to prevent a big increase in infections. We are remaining in Tier 2. This is good for the businesses which can remain open.

“However, we have been monitoring our infection rate daily and it has steadily increased in the last few weeks. If it continues on this track and keeps rising, we are not guaranteed to stay in Tier 2 when the tiers are reviewed again. It’s really important that everyone is really careful over the Christmas period.

“It is more important than ever that we continue to strictly follow public health guidance – hands, face, space, and that we don’t let our guard down. By pulling together and being cautious we can turn this around.”

More information on the tier restriction is available on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

Full detail is available in a series of frequently asked questions on our website at:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/restrictions/restrictions-in-west-cheshire.aspx