Cheshire West’s weekly COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise steadily

In the seven days to 19 September, there were 136 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cheshire West. This compares to 106 cases in West Cheshire in the previous week (6 to 12 September).

The number of positive test results in each local authority is updated regularly and our data can be viewed at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/cases?areaType=ltla&areaName=Cheshire%20West%20and%20Chester

To tackle the growing rise of COVID-19 infections locally and nationally, the Government introduced more stringent legal requirements in the last seven days, including additional local restrictions in some areas.

• The ‘rule of six’, prohibiting social gatherings of more than six people came into force

• Hospitality venues and organisers of large gatherings of more than 30 people must enforce the rule of six and may be subject to large fines if they don’t

• Public venues including hospitality, close contact services, leisure venues and some Council buildings are now  legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff, and to display the official NHS QR code posters

• All pubs, bars, restaurants must close no later than 10pm

• All pubs, bars and restaurants serving alcohol are restricted by law to table service only

• All staff in retail and hospitality venues must wear a face covering

• Passengers in licensed vehicles (private hire or taxi) must wear a face covering

As the borough’s businesses and public-facing organisations adapt to these new laws, the borough’s Director of Public Health Ian Ashworth is today reminding residents of how important it is that they continue to follow public health guidelines.

Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester Ian Ashworth said: “The new restrictions the Government has placed on our businesses are designed to ensure people continue to social distance in public places, while also allowing businesses to stay open and continue to trade in some capacity.

“It is a difficult balance to strike between protecting people’s health by stopping the spread of the virus and protecting the local economy and jobs, which is also important for people’s mental health and financial wellbeing.

“These restrictions are just one way of tackling the virus and we advise residents that the choices they make in their daily lives and in their households have an equally important impact on the spread of the virus.

“Everyone will help reduce the infection rate if they observe the rule of six at home, wear face coverings in public, wash hands, socially distance and get tested if they have symptoms.”

Many residents have been downloading the new NHS COVID-19 app since it launched yesterday. It will inform you if you have been in contact with someone who later goes on to test positive for the virus. You can download it now to your smartphone from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Further information about the app at: https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/pdf/introducing-the-app.pdf

Those who have downloaded the app have begun using its ‘check in’ function when visiting public venues by scanning the official COVID-19 QR posters which are on display, to support the NHS Test and Trace Service. It is a legal requirement for many venues to display the QR poster on their premises. Information for businesses , including on how they can register and create a COVID-19 QR poster for their building can be found here: https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/pdf/businesses-qr-guide.pdf

Council officers are visiting venues to help make sure they are aware of the new legal requirements.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus so contact tracing can then help prevent the spread of the virus.

If you have symptoms and have been tested, play your part to protect your community by self-isolating for 10 days or 14 days if alerted to do so by a contact tracer.

Pictured - Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester Ian Ashworth.