Do the right thing this Halloween and Bonfire night

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Halloween and Bonfire night will be very different for everyone this year. We are asking residents to remember to do the right thing!

Cheshire East is seeing a sharp rise in Covid-19 infection rates and the area has been placed in High Alert level restrictions, so everyone must not forget this. 

You must not mix indoors with any other household and the rule of six must be adhered to when meeting up with others outdoors, keeping your distance – two metres is best.

This means that many bonfire and Halloween events cannot no go ahead as planned.

Dr Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health for Cheshire East Council said: “The virus can’t spread if people do the right thing and don’t get close together – this applies in all situations and must we must not let our standards slip on this. 

“If you are celebrating inside, only mix with your own household, remember to wash your hands frequently and wear a face covering where appropriate when venturing outside.

“If you are celebrating Halloween with little ones, who will be wearing costumes, please remember to keep them away from any candles or lit pumpkins. Avoid any nasty burns and injuries by using battery-powered candles and tea-lights instead.”  

Cheshire East Council are working with Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue to ensure residents across Cheshire East enjoy Halloween and Bonfire night in a safe manner, within the law. 

Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell from Cheshire Police, said: “It has been a tough year for many, and we recognise that seasonal festivities are really important for mental health and wellbeing. 

“We really want you to have fun this Halloween and Bonfire Night but to do so safely, within the law and bear in mind the current situation with the pandemic. 

“Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage can have a significant impact on the local community and can have a long-lasting effect on victims. Now more than ever we need to pull together to help slow the spread of the virus - while celebrating Halloween a little differently.

“I’m confident the majority of residents will stick to the rules and do all they can to celebrate Halloween safely, but there will be an increased officer presence across the county, to provide reassurance for anyone, who may have any concerns over the Halloween and Bonfire period. Our approach will continue to be: engage, explain and encourage - and only as a last resort, enforce.”

Station Manager and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service deliberate fire reduction lead, Andy Gray, said: “Our number one priority is public safety and with organised displays cancelled this year we are concerned that people will turn to lighting fires and setting fireworks off themselves.

“Our message is clear – please do not be tempted to do so.

“Any fire can so easily get out of hand and spread to fences, sheds, properties and could cause fatal or life-changing injuries, at the same time putting extra strain on emergency services and the NHS. Fireworks also can be dangerous if not used correctly and safely and can cause great distress to many people and their animals, so we’d encourage people to consider safer options to celebrate the bonfire period this year.”

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