Residents in Cheshire West and Chester are advised to follow public health advice to keep themselves and each other safe as Covid-19 restrictions end.

Although the law in England requiring people to self-isolate if they have symptoms or test positive for Covid ends from today, February 24, national guidance remains in place that they should stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.

They are advised to continue to stay at home until they have two negative LFD test results on two consecutive days following the first five days.

Free testing remains in place in England until April 1.

Fully vaccinated contacts of a positive case will no longer have to test for seven days, and unvaccinated contacts will no longer have to self-isolate.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The fact the rules are being lifted shows the joint positive impact of the vaccination programme and other public health measures in bringing down infections rates.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the NHS, volunteers, Council staff and other partners who have all done – and continue to do – a fantastic job in getting essential vaccines out to our residents.

“Thank you to residents for coming forward for your vaccines too – making you less likely to pass on the virus or be seriously ill yourselves and helping to get life a bit more back to normal.

“Although this is a great step forward, it’s really important for us all to acknowledge that Covid-19 has not gone away.

“Rates locally have dropped dramatically but they are still high, and the threat of new variants has not disappeared.

“We must remain on our guard and continue to follow simple public health guidance designed to help us look after ourselves and each other.

“Stay at home if you have symptoms or test positive for Covid – don’t risk passing it on to someone more vulnerable.

“Keep protecting each other by wearing face coverings in crowded indoor settings, like shops or public transport, and washing or sanitising your hands regularly throughout the day.

“Socialise outside when possible, or regularly open windows when socialising indoors – good ventilation really does reduce the risk of passing on viruses like COVID-19.

“Finally, and most importantly, get all your doses of the vaccine – it is never too late to come forward.”

The latest data shows that Cheshire West and Chester’s Covid-19 infection rate in the seven days to February 18 was 417 per 100,000 people.

The peak seven-day infection rate for Cheshire West and Chester was 2,733 per 100,000 on 4 January 2022.

The borough has also seen more than 100,000 recorded positive cases since the pandemic began in March 2020.

The council has a five-point plan to play its part in the ongoing fight against the virus. This includes:

  • working closely with partners to improve access to the vaccine and to testing where appropriate
  • maintaining public health measures in Council workplaces to keep staff and the public COVID-safe
  • supporting schools, care and business settings to understand the changes and apply the guidance and supporting local economic recovery
  • Maintaining regular Outbreak Board meetings to continue open and transparent dialogue with residents
  • Continuing to empower the community to play its part to stay safe.

For information about testing visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing.

For information on where to get a vaccine and who is eligible visit: www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk and click on ‘COVID-19 vaccination programme – what you need to know’.