KNUTSFORD and Wilmslow residents are being urged to act now on coronavirus to prevent tighter rules coming into effect following the national lockdown.

Cheshire East was in Tier 2 for Covid-19 restrictions before the second lockdown began across England on November 5.

Now half-way through the lockdown, infection rates have continued to rise in Cheshire East up to a peak of 250.2 per 100,000 people in figures released on Monday, after a record 961 cases in a week.

The borough’s infection rate now stands at 239 per 100,000 people, following 918 cases in the seven days up to November 13, and Cheshire East Council insists residents need to take extra care to prevent the borough moving into Tier 3 before Christmas.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, CEC leader, said: “There has been a rise in infections across the region during the past few weeks and this is something we need to address now to avoid increased restrictions being imposed.

“The majority of residents are doing the right thing by adhering to social distancing and travel restrictions, but there are a minority who are undoing all of this good work through complacency and selfishness.

“Covid-19 remains a real threat and we all must work together, or rates will continue to increase which means we could face stricter restrictions.

“Now is not a time to be complacent, we must all think about the consequences of our actions and the implications they can have in the coming weeks and months.”

Residents are urged to:

  • Stay at home
  • Only leave home for essential travel, for work and to shop for food essentials or medicines
  • Work from home where possible
  • Do not mix with others outside of your household or support bubble
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Wear a face covering in places where social distancing may be difficult (unless exempt)
  • Social distance by two metres in public.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health for CEC, added: “If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 you must self-isolate immediately and get a test. Typical Covid-19 symptoms to look for include high fever, a continuous cough and loss of taste or smell.

“Residents should also self-isolate and request a test if they experience headaches, unexplained tiredness, muscle and body aches and a sore throat.

“If you experience any of these symptoms you must only leave home to get tested. You should not go into work or carry on with your normal day to day routine whilst waiting for the test results. You must self-isolate until you have them.

“If we make sensible decisions, maybe we can avoid having further localised restrictions imposed on us over Christmas.”

Residents can book a test online by visiting gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

If you have a positive test or are alerted by a contact tracer, play your part to protect your community by self-isolating for at least 10 days.