Council Leader reminds residents about the importance of social distancing

There were 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in West Cheshire from 9 to 15 August.

These figures compare to 18 confirmed cases in West Cheshire in the previous week (3 to 8 August). 

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

Positive cases have remained steady since July, compared to other parts of the country where cases have been rising.

The Council would like everyone to continue to play their part in ensuring social distancing is observed, especially in settings such as restaurants, pubs and shops. We have seen in other areas, where social distancing is not observed, the number of COVID-19 cases have increased. Following social distancing guidelines is one of the most important things people can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

All residents are reminded to:

• Socially distance by two metres from people from other households in all shops and supermarkets

• Socially distance by two metres when queuing to enter all premises, such as pubs and restaurants and observe the markings on the ground where they exist

• Remain vigilant and wear face coverings

• Only dine in restaurants where tables, inside and outside, are placed at least one metre apart and contact us so we can support a business which is failing to implement this.

Councillor Louise Gittins, the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, is urging all residents to contact us at regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk if they visit a business that needs support to become more COVID secure.

Councillor Louise Gittins said: “With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing in other areas, we are concerned that they will also increase here if people don’t remain vigilant. This could result in the need for a local lockdown to prevent the virus spreading. This would further damage businesses already affected by the pandemic.

“The only way to avoid this risk and to play your part to protect lives and protect livelihoods is to continue to socially distance, wear a face covering and get tested if you are ill.

“It is the case that social distancing must be more strictly observed in some businesses across our borough. For example, some restaurants are not spacing out their tables enough. Our officers want to help these businesses become COVID secure. Making these changes will result in them being a more attractive place for people to visit. Let us know which businesses you feel we can support.”

Protect yourself and your family and friends by getting a coronavirus test if you feel ill or have symptoms (a high temperature, new, continuous cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste). To get tested, please call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus. Protect your community by then self-isolating for 10 days if you have symptoms or 14 days if alerted to do so by a contact tracer.