Covid-19 cases in Cheshire East remain high

Covid-19 cases in Cheshire East remain high The rate of positive cases in Cheshire East is now 544 per 100,000 population in the last 7 days according to the latest figures released on the official UK government website (13 April). That’s down from 869 last week, but still very high. Hospital admissions have risen and the local hospitals are really struggling to cope with the extra workload on top of other pressures.

We continue to urge residents to take steps to make themselves, and others around them, as safe as possible from infection. While vaccination rates within the borough are high, the number of people testing positive for Covid highlights the importance of everyone continuing to take measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Steps you can take to stay safe Amid continuing high Covid-19 infection rates across Cheshire East it remains imperative that - unless exempt - people continue to wear face coverings in health and care settings. This includes hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP practices. Face coverings must also continue to be worn by everyone accessing or visiting care homes. Residents can also 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.

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 Updated Covid symptoms The NHS has expanded its list of symptoms of Covid-19. What to do if you have symptoms Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of Covid-19 and either:

• you have a high temperature

• you do not feel well enough to go to work or do your normal activities

Take extra care to avoid close contact with anyone who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. Return to school checklist - helping us stay safe from Covid Following the guidance below will ensure we can keep the number of Covid-19 cases down when children return to school after the Easter holidays:

• If eligible do get vaccinated

• Any flu type symptoms - stay at home if you feel unwell. Avoid contact with other until you feel better. If symptoms deteriorate - ring 119 for advice

• Wash your hands regularly - on entry and exit from school/class. Before eating and after going to the toilet

• Have tissues available - so you can 'catch, kill and bin' - any runny noses, coughs and sneezes.

Council urges spring booster jab take up Cheshire East Council is urging older and more vulnerable residents to take up the offer of a further Covid-19 booster vaccine. People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those individuals aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems, will be offered a spring booster of coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine. For details of local walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics, offering first, second and booster jabs, please visit the NHS website. Residents can also book an appointment via the NHS website, by calling 119 or by attending a local walk-in vaccination clinic Read the rest of the Council urges spring booster jab take up media release here 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