How residents can reduce Cheshire West’s rising COVID-19 infection rate

In the seven days to 26 September, there were 214 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cheshire West. This compares to 136 cases in West Cheshire in the previous week (13 to 19 September).

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

Positive COVID-19 cases increased rapidly in September and continue to rise weekly, which has led to Cheshire West and Chester being added to the Government’s watchlist as an area of concern.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Our inclusion on the watchlist as an area of concern is a fair reflection of the position we face, with an increasing level of infection in our borough. We are also seeing increasing rates in areas we are close to, such as North Wales, Merseyside, Halton and Warrington.

“Last week we asked the Government to implement restrictions on household mixing in Cheshire West to try to protect public health and prevent further pressures being placed on the borough’s health and social care providers.  

“We expect a decision this week, but we feel even stricter measures will need to be implemented in the future if cases continue to rise and this would be detrimental to residents’ health and the local economy. Residents can play their part to make a difference and prevent transmission of the virus.”

How residents can play their part to reduce the infection rate:

• Wash hands as often as you can

• Cover your face when out and about

• Keep two metres away from others

• Protect yourself! Put the NHS COVID-19 App on your phone

• Got symptoms? Get a COVID-19 test - call 119 or visit  nhs.uk/coronavirus

• Tested positive? Stay home for a fortnight   

• Avoid unnecessary travel to other areas and to North Wales which has lockdown restrictions

• Report unsafe COVID-19 practices to regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Residents can find out the current number of cases for their own particular ward area at: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-cases-by-ward.aspx