Let’s support our businesses safely

In the seven days up to 22 August, there were 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases for West Cheshire. This compares to 22 confirmed cases in West Cheshire in the previous week (9 to 15 August).

Positive cases in Cheshire West and Chester have remained largely steady since July and overall our numbers remain low compared to other parts of the country.  Coronavirus cases remain low for the under 18s, as we enter the next phase of the recovery, with schools re-opening and more people returning to places of work next week. However, over the last two weeks we have started to see a small increase in our positive case numbers, particularly in those aged 18-34 years. 

With the bank holiday ahead of us, it is important to remember the actions you can take to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent a local lockdown. 

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Over the last two months we have been reopening our high streets across the borough and bars, restaurants and cafes have been welcoming customers back.  We have started to get back to some sort of normality with more residents encouraged to support businesses on the ‘Eat Out to help Out’ scheme.  We want to work with our businesses in the borough to make sure they are COVID-secure and they are also playing their part in protecting lives and livelihoods in west Cheshire.

“As the bank holiday weekend approaches and various outdoor events are planned, I urge everyone, and especially our young people, to remain vigilant to help reduce the spread of the virus. We want to prevent any local lockdowns and support our businesses during the recovery, by following the guidelines.  Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces. Maintain social distancing from people you do not live with and are not in your support bubble – indoors and outdoors.

“Simple hygiene levels can have a big impact and help reduce the spread. Please continue to wash your hands regularly.  If you are feeling unwell, you could have coronavirus and you could be infecting others. Don’t wait. Get a free test now, by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus”

If you visit a business, where you feel they are not following the relevant government guidelines, please email regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and we can support them to become more COVID secure.

Protect yourself, 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.