18 August 2021
Welcome to our latest Covid-19 information update.
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 We are asking you to keep staying safe as rules on self-isolation change and with autumn on the horizon.
From Monday 16 August, double jabbed individuals and under 18s will no longer need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.
What has changed?
- It will no longer be a legal requirement for people who are fully vaccinated to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.
- People within this group will still be strongly advised to take a lab test called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible and to limit social contact. In line with the general advice, they will be advised to self-isolate and get a PCR test if they have symptoms, but this will not be a legal requirement.
- Those who may not be vaccinated for specific reasons will also be exempt from self-isolation if they are a contact.
Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status or age in order to break onward chains of transmission.
Meanwhile anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should self-isolate and get a PCR test, and remain in isolation until the result comes back.
See a full summary of these changes here.
Not only does having both doses of the vaccine significantly reduce the risk, it allows access to this exemption to self-isolation, whilst also reducing the risk of severe illness and providing the fullest protection possible for people across the borough.
The NHS Covid-19 app will also be updated this month in line with the new guidance on self-isolation for close contacts.
Although young people aged 16 and 17 are now being offered the Covid-19 vaccination and there is the prospect of a Covid-19 booster jab in the early autumn, we all need to do what we can to stay as fit and healthy as we can and to maintain our wellbeing in readiness for the flu season and colder winter months’.
There is more information on self-isolation on the NHS website at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/
For the latest information and advice on Covid-19 testing, vaccinations and self-isolation support, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19
More than 47 million people, or almost 90% of all UK adults, have now received a first dose of a vaccine and 40 million people, about 77% of all adults, have had a second.
The vaccination programme continues to go well in Cheshire East. We thank all residents who have taken up the vaccine when offered. As of 12 August, a total of 86% of the eligible population have received at least their first dose – with 76% having received both jabs.
It will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity and you are considered fully vaccinated at least two weeks after you get a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Everyone aged 16 and over is now eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccination.
All young people aged 16 to 17 in England are to be offered a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by 23 August, ahead of the new school year, the government announced at the weekend.
16 and 17-year-olds will be invited including by text and letter to book their appointments through GPs or via walk-in centres. NHS England has launched a new online walk-in site finder to help 16 and 17-year-olds locate the nearest available centre. Further sites will come online over the coming days and weeks.
Teenagers within three months of turning 18 can book their vaccine appointment online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19, or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus, are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine by 23 August.
Walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations in Cheshire East:
Each Covid-19 vaccination pop-up clinic will offer first and second Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines for those aged over 18. Each site will be open each day or for as long as vaccine supplies last. You don’t need to book an appointment in advance - just turn up on the day.
You will need to provide your date of birth, address, email address, phone number and ideally your NHS number, but don't worry if you don't know your NHS number.
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Thursday 19 August – Scope House Car Park, Weston Road, Crewe CW1 6DD, 10am–6pm
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Saturday 21st August - Congleton Pride, Fairground Car Park, 10am–6pm
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Daily - Alderley Park Conference Centre, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, 8:30am–6pm
Please note that your second dose must be at least 8 weeks after your first.
'Grab a jab' postcode checker: Alternatively you can visit the Government's online postcode checker to find your nearest 'Grab a jab' centre.
If there is no local availability showing on the booking system, and it is not convenient for you to travel, please keep checking back as local slots update all the time. Call 119 if you need further assistance.
Why not download our new Covid-19 vaccine guidance booklet today? The handy booklet contains information about the vaccine, its benefits, how to get the vaccine as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Download our Covid-19 vaccine guidance booklet
Cheshire East Council and the NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group also recently launched the second part of the It's time to roll your sleeves up #Get2jabs campaign.
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.
Using data up to 12 August, the number of cases is 249 per 100,000 over the last seven days, which is lower than the previous week when it was at 243. The average in England is 304.
There were 966 new cases in Cheshire East in the week up to 12 August, that’s an increase of 25 on the previous week. The current number of cases is very high in comparison to a few months ago when there were just 60 new cases in a week.
Home tests and reporting test results
Reporting home test results every time a rapid lateral flow test kit is used, really helps to contain the virus.
Trying to report results as soon as possible after taking the test is also important as it is not possible to report a result more than 24 hours after taking a test.
Test results reporting helps to ensure that infection rates in Cheshire East can be monitored and we can work more effectively to prevent and reduce the spread of the virus in our local areas.
Schools and colleges summer holiday testing
With children and young people returning to education settings next month and more people going back in to work, it’s important to remain vigilant, get your vaccinations when they are offered to you, get tested regularly, report your test results and to keep following the appropriate guidance.
We've noticed a recent rise in Covid-19 cases in the 15-19 age group in particular, so we are encouraging parents and guardians of local students and schoolchildren to help and encourage them to keep up their testing twice a week and to also report their results twice weekly.
Young people have a great part to play in stopping the spread by getting tested regularly, and by taking up a vaccination when offered it.
Test results can be reported online at: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
 Local Testing options:
We have the following testing sites available, where you can simply walk-in and wait to get a test or you can book an appointment online in advance to save time.
- Lateral Flow Testing (no symptoms)
This week we have lateral flow testing centres at various locations around the borough. Find out the latest dates and times on our Covid Testing page.
Local Testing sites: Our local testing sites at Crewe and Macclesfield (below) will now only be undertaking symptomatic PCR lab tests from 8am to 8pm daily. Book a PCR test appointment online.
Mobile testing units (no appointment necessary): You can get a free PCR lab test at one of our temporary mobile testing units in Knutsford, Macclesfield and Wilmslow between 9am to 4pm until Friday 20 August. Book a PCR test appointment online.
Find out all local testing options at: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing
Further help and support
Experiencing Covid-19 symptoms?
Links to mental health resources:
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