Residents reminded to stay safe during the festive period

As we all prepare for a very different Christmas this year, Cheshire East Council is reminding residents of the importance of staying safe this festive period.

The government has announced that up to three households will be allowed to meet between 23 and 27 December. 

We are encouraging people to be cautious throughout the festive period whilst many of us are keen to see more of our families, it is still vitally important to protect ourselves and others.

The virus doesn’t know it is Christmas – it is just as infectious, and just as likely to cause illness and, sadly, death in some cases.

It’s important to do the right thing, to protect vulnerable family members - if you develop symptoms of Covid-19 self-isolate and get a test. This may mean a change to Christmas plans which will be a blow to many people after a very challenging year, but the health and wellbeing of others should remain the top priority. 

Residents with symptoms of Covid-19 are able to book a test at the Macclesfield or Crewe local testing site via the national Covid-19 online booking facility at . Both sites are open through the Christmas and New Year period. 

The government guidance on forming a Christmas bubble between 23 and 27 December is as follows;  

• You can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households (of any size);
• You can only be in one Christmas bubble;
• You cannot change your Christmas bubble;
• You can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble;
• You can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces;
• You can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying and;
• You cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble

Dr Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health for Cheshire East Council said: “It’s important that we do not forget the importance of good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering where appropriate and keeping a distance from others – especially given that many of us will be enjoying seeing loved ones during the festive period. 

“Cheshire East is remaining in Tier 2 status following the recent government review of tiers, however worryingly our rates of infections are starting to rise, and we currently have 140 patients in local hospitals with Covid-19. The best way to avoid spreading the virus or spending Christmas or the new year in hospital is to celebrate the festive season sensibly and safely.

“This Christmas and New Year will be very different for everyone and we all must take care of our mental wellbeing during this time and check-in on those who may need our support. 

“Many people maybe feeling particularly low this Christmas due to difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic – such as losing a loved one, losing their job, financial concerns and feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

“2020 has been the year that has taught us many ways to connect with others, such as a regular phone call, a video call or a socially distanced walk in the open air. Take time to remember those family members, friends or neighbours who may need your help.  

“We all must continue to speak to others and seek help from specialist organisations if we need to. There are a range of support groups and organisations, which will be open and running throughout the Christmas and New Year break. For details visit our mental health advice pages.

For further help and advice on mental wellbeing, including information on local support services can be found on our mental health advice pages.

For details on how we can help with money worries or for information on debt charities such as the National Debt Line and Age UK, visit our money matters page. 

If you or someone you know need support from our People Helping People scheme, please visit our dedicated pages. 

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

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