New COVID-19 advice for residents and businesses in Cheshire West and Chester

Residents and businesses are being urged to do all they can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Cheshire West and Chester following confirmed cases of the new Omicron variant in the UK.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is supporting residents, businesses, schools and transport providers to implement new government restrictions introduced this week.

As of 30 November, it is mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops, banks, post offices, hairdressers and on public transport.

Anyone identified as a contact of someone with the Omicron variant will also have to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their age or whether they are fully vaccinated.

In schools, pupils in Year 7 and above, staff and visitors are also advised to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas.

Residents are also being urged to get their COVID-19 vaccination or booster as soon as they are eligible as this is the best defence against the virus.

Vaccines are free and safe and available to all over the age of 12. Visit:

www.nhs.uk

Click on ‘Find out about COVID-19 vaccination’  

Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “It is worrying that this new variant of COVID-19 has been found, but by acting responsibly together we can help keep infection at bay and its spread minimised. Residents and businesses in the borough have acted wonderfully during this pandemic. Please continue to look after each other.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to advise residents to let fresh air in if meeting inside, wash hands often and keep a safe distance from others, as well as testing regularly for COVID-19, particularly before visiting someone of greater risk of serious illness from the virus or before going somewhere with limited fresh air.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The vaccine is proven to be our best defence against COVID-19 so please make sure your vaccinations are up to date and, if eligible for a free flu vaccine make sure that you get one of those too. Protect yourself and protect your friends and loved ones.

“Nothing is 100% perfect but by getting your vaccine and following hands, face, space and fresh air guidelines we can help limit the spread and impact.”

For more information visit:

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/covid19

Getting a vaccine in Cheshire West and Chester

Appointments for vaccinations can be pre-booked through the National Booking Service either online at:

www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination 

Or by phoning 119.

A number of static and roving walk-in clinics are also operating in the borough:

https://www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk/news/news-stories/covid-19-vaccination-programme-what-you-need-to-know/

The NHS also has a link available to static vaccination clinics which are also offering walk in vaccinations

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/