Leader calls on all business to be more ‘COVID-Secure’ as latest data is updated

There were 23 confirmed cases of COVID 19 infections in West Cheshire from 27 July to 2 August.

These figures compare to 19 confirmed cases in west Cheshire in the previous week (22-28 July).  The number of positive test results in each borough is updated regularly and our data can be viewed at https://coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk/cases?areaType=ltla&areaName=Cheshire%20West%20and%20Chester

As we come out of lockdown, gathering the contact details of everyone who has visited public venues is an important step all businesses can take to save lives and prevent further local lockdowns. Business owners may be asked for their customers’ contact details by the NHS Test and Trace Service if someone who tests positive has visited their premises.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, is calling on the pubs and restaurants across the borough that have not been taking customers’ contact details to start doing so, to play their part to protect lives and livelihoods in the borough.

Councillor Gittins said: “Council buildings and libraries have begun taking the contact details of all visitors so that we can pass them onto the NHS Test and Trace Service, if a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 has visited our buildings.

“Many pubs and restaurants are also gathering this information and it is really important that all hospitality venues in the borough do the same. Residents have told the Council they feel safer and more confident visiting a pub or restaurant if it is COVID-secure. This includes social distancing between staff and customers being observed and customers’ contact details being taken. Residents are also reporting venues where they do not feel safe to the Council.

“A COVID-secure business will attract more customers, while also playing a part in protecting lives and livelihoods in west Cheshire.”

The Council will assist businesses to prevent and manage local outbreaks, should they occur. Our Outbreak Management Plan explains how we will do this and can be viewed on our website. 

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.

Pictured - Councillor Louise Gittins.