RATES of COVID-19 infections in West Cheshire have continued to fall this week, with 29 new cases reported in the last seven days compared to more than 200 cases per week during late April and early May.
The news comes following the launch of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Coronavirus Outbreak Prevention, Management and Support Plan last week which aims to prevent the spread of the virus and outlines how we will protect the community, in partnership with regional organisations such as Public Health England North West, if local outbreaks occur in the borough.
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council Cllr Louise Gittins said: ‘The reduction in cases has been achieved by us all playing our part and following the national guidance. By washing our hands, keeping a safe physical distance from others, and avoiding large crowds we can all help to reduce the number further. If you do show symptoms of a new continuous cough, fever or have a loss of taste and smell please get tested and follow the guidance to self-isolate.
“I want to say a big thank all of the residents of west Cheshire for playing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so far.
“We all want to continue to enjoy the benefits of the easing of lockdown, seeing our loved ones and getting our economy back on track, so it is vital we remain cautious and do not get complacent as we all go about our daily lives.”
The Government currently provides the Council with some local data on Test and Trace, this information gives us the important locations of confirmed cases, but currently that is only provided to us once a week. This information also does not contain all the detail we need, such as reporting where people who have tested positive work. We need this accurate data on a daily basis to ensure we have an adequate Test and Trace service in place that will help us all protect lives and protect our livelihoods.
In the absence of this timely national data the Council is actively working with Public Health England, our local NHS partners, care homes, schools and businesses to identify and prevent any potential local outbreaks.
Protect yourself and your family and friends by getting a Coronavirus test if you have symptoms of a persistent cough, fever or loss of taste and smell by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus. Protect your community by then self-isolating for 14 days if you have symptoms or if alerted to do so by a contact tracer.
For more information please visit the Council’s website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus