25 May 2021
Welcome to our latest Covid-19 information update.
If you haven’t already, why not sign-up today to receive regular information and notifications as our action against the virus in Cheshire East continues.
 We are aware of an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Handforth area, this is a contained outbreak and we are carrying out additional testing. To date there have been 40 confirmed cases altogether.
Around half of the people who have tested positive are schoolchildren, who are now coming to the end of a ten-day isolation period. This means that they are no longer considered to be infectious. Most other cases are family members.
We recognise that the local community will be concerned and so a mobile testing unit (MTU) has been set up in Handforth to continue testing. We encourage residents to continue to maintain social distancing, to wear a face covering where required to do so and to follow the government guidance around protecting themselves and others.
We have worked with the national testing team to set up the MTU, from Monday 24 May) the unit will be based in Handforth Youth Centre, Old Road, Handforth, SK9 3DA.
This MTU is a temporary pop-up testing site operating daily between 10.30am and 2.30pm, and any resident without symptoms can call along without making an appointment. At busy times there may be some need to queue, so some waiting may be involved.
Information regarding the mobile testing unit has been issued on social media and can be found on the testing pages on our website.
Currently, the rate of infection in Cheshire East is 18 per 100,000, which is an increase on the previous week, with 69 new cases in the seven days up to 19 May. The seven-day incidence rate for England is 22 per 100,000.
Residents are reminded that if they develop any symptoms of Covid-19, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away and book a test via the NHS online booking portal.
As mentioned above, a temporary Mobile Testing Unit has been deployed in Handforth from Monday 24 May, it is located at:
LOCATION: Handforth Youth Centre, Old Road, Handforth, SK9 3DA.
TIMES: Operates daily 10.30am - 2.30pm
If you live in and around this area you can simply turn up during these times, to get your FREE confirmatory PCR test. The tests at this mobile testing unit are open to anyone without symptoms of Covid-19. No appointment is necessary, but some waiting may be involved at certain times.
For full details about our range of testing services, please see our Covid Testing webpage.
You can also keep up to date on all of Cheshire East's testing activities by following our dedicated testing account on twitter at: @CEC_SwabSquad
Testing update
- Regular testing options (for those without symptoms)
The Council continue to provide pop-up regular testing at sites across the borough, we encourage all residents without symptoms to use free, rapid tests regularly (ideally twice per week). By identifying undetected cases we can halt the spread of the virus.
Getting into the regular testing habit is one of the key ways we can all play our part in stopping the spread.
To get a regular test, you can either:
VISIT A TEST SITE:
You test on-site at a local test site or arrange to collect home test kits to use at home, you can book at: https://cheshireeast.zipporah.co.uk/LFT.Bookings
VISIT A PHARMACY:
You can collect test kits to use at home. To find your local pharmacy, simply visit: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk
At several local pharmacies you can also get a test in the pharmacy, you can book this at: https://cheshireeast.zipporah.co.uk/LFT.Bookings
HOME DELIVERY:
You can get a home test kit posted to you by booking online at: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
- Testing if you have symptoms of Covid-19
If you show any of the main symptoms of Covid-19 please stay home and self-isolate and book at test at: www.gov.uk/get-coronvirus-test
Vaccinations update
Over 38 million people, have now received a first dose of a vaccine, nearly 23 million people in the UK have now being fully vaccinated. Those who have had their first dose up to 12 weeks ago, should now book for their second vaccination via their GP practice or via the national booking service.
The roll-out is progressing to younger adults, with a new campaign being launched by the government this week to promote uptake.
You can now use the national booking service if you are aged 32 or over or will turn 32 before 1 July 2021. Do keep checking the website if there are no local appointments available when you try to book, as it is being regularly updated.
A new pharmacy-led vaccination service is now vaccinating eligible residents at Tesco Pharmacy in Crewe. The sites will help to boost the number of vaccination services in areas with lower take-up of the Covid-19 vaccine.
This complements existing pharmacy-led vaccination services at Andrew's Pharmacy in Macclesfield, Alsager Pharmacy in Alsager, Hollowood Chemists in Crewe and in Nantwich.
By contacting the national booking service, you will gain access to flexible appointments at local vaccination services seven days per week. Alternatively, you can wait to be contacted by your GP practice. Visit the Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group website for the latest news on the local vaccination programme.
Lockdown may be lifting, step by step, but we still need to take care we’re not spreading COVID-19. Follow these safety and sanitation measures to support local businesses, so they won’t be forced to turn you away - or risk a fine. This is part of our 'Say Hi - to the High Street campaign' - reminding you of all the great reasons to support local and giving you advice about how to shop safely.
   Visit our dedicated webpage to find more information about the safe reopening of our town centres and access support.
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