BOTH Cheshire East and West are beginning their fifth day in Tier 3 for coronavirus restrictions as the Government prepares for another review.

The second fortnightly tier review is due to take place today, December 30.

It could see Cheshire move tiers for the second time this week – or it could see both boroughs remain in the tier they have been in since Boxing Day.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the second scheduled tier review.

What is the latest on the coronavirus rules?

Cheshire East, West and Warrington boroughs were moved up from Tier 2 to Tier 3 – the ‘very high alert’ level – on Boxing Day.

It followed an increase in infection rates across all three boroughs among both the general population and in the over-60s.

The move means that hospitality businesses can now only open for take-away, delivery or drive-through, while hotels are closed and the ‘rule of six’ only applies in public gardens or parks.

Northwich Guardian:

Ministers promised to review the tiers every fortnight following the end of the second national lockdown on December 2.

December 16 saw the first of those scheduled reviews, with Cheshire remaining in Tier 2 at the time, but an urgent decision to move the area up to Tier 3 followed just one week later.

Is Cheshire likely to change tiers in the latest review?

Having only been in Tier 3 for a few days, it would seem unlikely that Cheshire East, West or Warrington will move tiers now.

All three boroughs have been grouped together by the Government so far when making tier decisions.

Northwich Guardian:

Any easing of restrictions can be ruled out as coronavirus infection rates have risen again in the past week – from 167.6 to 238.4 per 100,000 people in Cheshire East, and from 205.9 to 266.4 per 100,000 people in Cheshire West.

On Tuesday, Warrington Council chief executive Steven Broomhead told the Guardian his authority is on ‘high alert’ ahead of the announcement, but leaders there do not expect the area to move up to Tier 4 this week unless national measures are imposed.

Tier 4 restrictions would see non-essential stores closed, while people in Tier 4 areas can only see one other person from another household outdoors.

What is the situation in NHS hospitals?

The latest figures available are from 9am on December 23 and they show a week-on-week rise in the number of coronavirus patients being cared for in two out of the three hospital trusts in Cheshire East and West.

At that time, Mid Cheshire Hospitals – including Leighton – had 109 Covid patients with eight on ventilation.

Northwich Guardian:

East Cheshire NHS Trust – including Macclesfield Hospital – had 76 Covid patients with one on ventilation, while the Countess of Chester had 142 patients, including 12 on ventilation.

One week earlier, Mid Cheshire Hospitals had 75 Covid patients in total, East Cheshire Trust had 66 and the Countess had 151.

Sadly, 340 coronavirus patients have now died at the Countess, 311 at Mid Cheshire Hospitals and 199 at East Cheshire Trust.

What do council leaders say?

Both Cheshire East and West council leaders expressed disappointment at last week’s Tier 3 announcement and called on the community to help turn things around.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The increase in infection rates we have seen recently is of significant concern.

“I hope that the move to Tier 3 restrictions helps to get rates down, but I know that the new restrictions will have a significant impact, particularly on our hospitality businesses, and I am worried about how some businesses will cope.”

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: “The infection rate in Cheshire West is too high and we urge everyone to continue to wash hands, wear face coverings and keep their space between others to bring us back down to tier two.

“Together we can reduce the rate and reduce the restrictions and we will continue our work with our local NHS to roll out the vaccine.”