YOUNG people in Winsford are being urged to stay vigilant in the pandemic following a small increase in coronavirus cases among 18- to 34-year-olds.

Cheshire West saw a rise in its weekly rate of Covid-19 infection from 5.8 per 100,000 people in the week up to August 17 to 7.9 per 100,000 in the week up to August 24.

But while the borough's coronavirus rates are lower than many other parts of the country, the council says a recent small increase in cases has been seen in people aged 18 to 34.

With the bank holiday weekend underway and more people returning to work next month, Cheshire West and Chester Council is eager to limit the spread of coronavirus and prevent a local lockdown.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader, said: “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.

Knutsford Guardian:

"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.”

Businesses are also being urged to continue making their premises as safe as possible for customers.

Cllr Shore added: "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."

Residents are urged to contact CWAC if they feel a business is not following guidelines by emailing regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

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, 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.