Council warns the pandemic isn’t over as cases rise again

We are warning residents that the pandemic isn’t over following a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases recently.

Latest figures released on the official UK government website (22 March) show the rate of positive cases in Cheshire East has risen to 874 per 100,000 population. The rate per 100,000 population in the North West is 662 and 803 in England.

The current estimate for the ‘R number’ in the North West is 1.1 – 1.4 (19 March 2022). This means that, on average, ten infected people will transmit the infection to 11 to 14 other people.

81.3 per cent of all positive Covid-19 cases are of the new BA.2 Omicron variant, which is shown to be far more transmissible.

Residents can continue to take the following five steps to help reduce the rate of infection and for those around them:

• Get vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and to protect others

• Wear a face covering in crowded and indoor places – unless exempt

• Let in fresh air when you meet others indoors, especially if they’re at high risk from Covid-19

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitiser

• Stay at home and get tested if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

Read the rest of the Council warns the pandemic isn't over as cases rise again media release here

Full information on where to get tested is available at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing. You can also follow our dedicated testing team on twitter who post daily updates of their testing locations around the borough. Follow our Swab Squad on Twitter at: @CEC_SwabSquad.

For all the latest information on Covid-19 testing, vaccinations, support, and guidance, please go the council’s webpages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19

Spring Covid-19 booster vaccine

People who are eligible for a Spring booster (fourth dose) will be able to book an appointment at a local clinic via the National Booking Service or by calling 119 this week. Alternatively, eligible people can attend a local walk-in vaccination clinic

• Adults aged 75 and over

• Residents in care homes for older adults

• People aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system

Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top-up over the Spring and early Summer. There is no need to contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.

Download a guide to the spring booster for those aged 75 years and older residents in care homes

Useful links:

LOCAL LINKS:

• Cheshire East Council Covid-19 Support for Business page

NATIONAL GUIDANCE:

• Advice for businesses on: working safely during Covid-19

• Cabinet Office national guidance on: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread

• For the latest government guidance on coronavirus, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

• For the latest government data and insights on coronavirus, visit https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk