16 July 2021
Welcome to our latest Covid-19 information update.
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 The Government has issued new guidance to come into effect when England moves to step four of the roadmap from Monday 19 July.
We are urging those living and working in Cheshire East to:
• Get fully vaccinated – it’s shown to be safe and effective against the virus, including new variants and is the best way to keep yourself from getting seriously ill. It also reduces the risk of passing the virus on to someone else
• Be kind and considerate of others who may be feeling extremely nervous about the further lifting of restrictions
• Continue wearing face coverings in crowded indoor areas where social distancing cannot be followed, such as supermarkets and on public transport, in health and social care settings, such as hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries, and where it would make others feel more comfortable
• Continue social distancing by not unnecessarily being in crowded areas and continuing to work from home if possible
• Continue to practice good hand hygiene, in particular hand washing
• Keep getting tested – everyone should undertake twice weekly rapid symptom free testing using Lateral Flow Tests (LFT). If people experience generally associated symptoms such as a headache, a stuffed or runny nose, tiredness or weakness, aches and pains, sore throat or diarrhoea, they should take an LFT and follow up with a PCR test if the LFT test is positive. If people have any of the main symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste they must stay at home and book a PCR test. Around one in three people with Covid-19 don’t have symptoms, but can still infect others - so getting tested regularly will help slow the spread
• Self-isolate if you have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, especially if you work in a high-risk setting
We are urging businesses and workplaces in Cheshire East:
• Continue to adhere to Covid-19 working safely guidance, including provision of washing facilities and proper ventilation with external fresh air
• Continue to engage with the Test, Trace and Isolate process, and increase testing if your workplace has had an outbreak
• Encourage your employees to get tested if they suspect they have Covid-19 symptoms and self-isolate if positive
• Encourage your employees to have both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine when it is offered
It is difficult to say when this way of living will end, but we do know that we are likely to have a difficult winter ahead of us, which means it is likely we will need to follow this advice until spring next year.
For many this will be unwelcome, but ultimately, it is necessary. Throughout this pandemic, we have witnessed from our population extraordinary levels of personal resilience, as well as kindness and thoughtful consideration towards others, and it is with this in mind that we ask you to continue your efforts in being strong, being kind and being safe.
Click here for the latest Coronavirus Guidance
 Cheshire remains an Enhanced Response Area due to recent rapid growth of the Delta variant.
We are offering a number of additional testing options for everyone. This includes Enhanced Testing because we are currently in an Enhanced Response Area.
If you have symptoms, or have had a positive Lateral Flow Test (LFT) result
If you have symptoms, or have had a positive Lateral Flow Test (LFT) result you should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test. People who have been asked to self-isolate should not attend a testing site, and will need to book a PCR test if they develop symptoms.
If you don’t have symptoms
If you don’t have symptoms, we ask you to routinely take an LFT test.
LFT tests are used for regular testing of anyone without symptoms. Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms. Regular rapid testing is important in identifying and stopping the spread of the virus. The government has announced access to free, regular symptom free tests for everyone in England, including people who have been vaccinated.
Free PCR tests – Enhanced Testing
Because we are in an Enhanced Response Area, we are also offering free PCR testing to everyone, even if they don’t have symptoms or a positive LFT test.
Free PCR tests are available at our Crewe and Macclesfield local testing sites, and at a number of temporary mobile testing units. You should take a mobile phone with you or a form of photo ID. You can book a free PCR appointment at the national booking webpage.
Local testing sites (appointment advised)
To avoid being disappointed with long queues, we strongly advise you to make an appointment. If you don’t have symptoms and have not had a positive LFT result, when asked why you are requesting a test, please select 'I've been told to get a test by my local council'.
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Crewe local test site, Chester Street car park, Crewe, CW1 2ER - from 8am to 8pm daily
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Macclesfield local test site, Commercial Road, Macclesfield, SK10 2QJ - from 8am to 8pm daily
Mobile testing site locations:
Mobile testing unit locations and opening hours will change, so keep up to date on our temporary mobile testing units web page.
More than 46 million people in the UK – have now received a first dose of a vaccine and over 35 million people, have had a second.
With a target to offer a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to all adults by July 19 2021, Cheshire’s health and care partners are urging all adults to get their jabs.
It is now possible to pop along to some vaccination clinics for your first and second* dose of the Pfizer vaccine with no appointment needed, the next available 'Grab a Jab' clinic is this coming weekend at:
- Honda Centre (Hollowood Chemist), 146 West Street, Crewe between 9:30am–5pm
Walk-in Covid-19 first and second* Pfizer & Oxford/Astrazeneca jabs are available daily at:
- Alderley Park Conference Centre, Macclesfield between 8:30am–6pm
*Please note that your second vaccination must be at least 8 weeks after your first.
Anyone aged 18 or over can book their vaccination appointments online now at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.
You can find out more about how and where to get vaccinated on our vaccine programme page.
Further help and support
Experiencing Covid-19 symptoms?
Links to mental health resources:
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