NORTHWICH residents are being urged not to be complacent following a recent surge in Covid cases across Cheshire West.

The borough suffered the highest coronavirus infection rate in Cheshire and Merseyside last week – hitting a peak of 325 cases per 100,000 population.

With nine days left of the second national lockdown, that rate has fallen to 242.8 per 100,000 people, although it is still higher than the rate of one month ago.

Now, Cheshire West and Chester Council is urging everyone to do all they can to cut that rate further, starting with the basics of ‘hands, face, space’ to keep each other safe.

“There is no room for complacency when it comes to this virus,” said Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC leader.

“Washing your hands regularly kills the virus on them, covering your face in an enclosed space reduces its spread and keeping two metres away from people you don’t live with makes you less likely to pass it on or catch it.

“We have found from a number of recent local cases that have happened in different work places that it’s easy to let your guard down, especially when having a well-earned break, having your lunch with others or with car sharing – that’s why it’s so important to always remember hands, face and space.

“You don’t even have to have symptoms of coronavirus to spread it – so I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to get into these habits.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier today, November 23, that the three-tier system will return next week following the end of the second national lockdown on December 2.

Restrictions will be tougher than before, with hospitality businesses shut in Tier 3 areas excluding take-aways, and alcohol only available with a substantial meal in Tier 2 areas.

Cheshire West was in Tier 2 before the current lockdown, but an announcement on which tier it will be in from next week is only expected to be made on Thursday.

Cllr Gittins added: “If we all continue to work together to reduce infection rates, our borough will be in a better shape when we emerge from lockdown.

“This could mean that we can get the local economy moving again faster.

“This will help to get our retail, leisure and hospitality sectors up and running again and ultimately protect people, their livelihoods and safeguard jobs.”

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 – a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste – should self-isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus