KNUTSFORD and Wilmslow residents are being urged to avoid travelling to Halton and Merseyside this weekend – while residents in those areas are also being asked to stay away.

The Liverpool City Region was placed under tier three restrictions on Wednesday, meaning there is a ‘very high’ coronavirus risk in the area.

That means pubs and bars which do not serve food have been ordered to close, along with other businesses including gyms and casinos.

Meanwhile Cheshire East, which includes Knutsford and Wilmslow, is a tier two area – meaning that while the coronavirus risk here is ‘high’, those businesses remain open.

Now, Cheshire East Council – along with counterparts in Cheshire West, Warrington, Halton and the Wirral – have issued a joint statement urging residents to stay close to home and only visit neighbouring boroughs for work, education or health purposes.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, CEC leader, said: "We are still seeing a rising rate of infection in Cheshire East with the region currently in ‘High’ level restrictions. We need to act now and do all we can to slow the spread of the virus and avoid facing ‘Very High’ restrictions, as seen in our neighbouring boroughs.

“We know that the virus can’t spread if people do the right thing and don’t get close together, so I’d ask everyone to play their part – wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep your distance, get tested and immediately self-isolate if you have symptoms and make sure you know what restrictions apply wherever you are and comply with them.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard and sacrificed so much to fight Covid-19, however this fight against the virus is far from over. I urge everyone to keep going doing the right thing to protect themselves and each other.”