Cheshire East moves into ‘very high alert’ Covid tier 3

Cheshire East has now moved into tier 3 – the Covid ‘very high alert’ level. The change came into effect at a minute past midnight today, in the early hours of Boxing Day.

The key changes mean: 

● Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants must stay closed – except for delivery and takeaways;

● You can't mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your household or bubble;

● You can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks;

● Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) can stay open, as can swimming pools;

● Indoor entertainment venues – such as bowling alleys and cinemas – must stay closed;

● Collective worship can take place – with no mixing outside your bubble;

● Small wedding ceremonies can take place – but not receptions;

● Sports fans cannot attend events in stadiums; and

● People are advised not to move to and from tier three areas.

Responding to the government’s decision to move Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington into tier 3, the council leaders said they were ‘deeply disappointed’ to see the recent acceleration of rates of infection across Cheshire and the impact on the local NHS. 

They also paid tribute to the way Cheshire communities and businesses have played their part in avoiding tier 3 restrictions up to this point, as well as local public health teams for ‘their amazing dedication and commitment’.

The council leaders acknowledged that the additional restrictions had become necessary, while recognising that the government’s decision will have a devastating impact on Cheshire’s hospitality businesses and their employees.

The leaders have called on the government to provide additional support for those affected and the local resources needed to turn this situation around quickly. 

The council continues to do all it can to support our communities at this challenging time.

Visit the government website for full details of tier 3 restrictions at: gov.uk/guidance/tier-3

Remember: think ‘Hands, Face, Space’.