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Directors of Public Health across Cheshire today appealed to all supermarkets and food/convenience stores to adhere to the COVID secure public health guidance.

Several national supermarkets have confirmed they will be tightening up rules and enforcing face coverings in their stores which is welcomed by directors.

Now health directors who are leading the local public health response to COVID, are appealing to all essential stores still open to follow suit in light of high COVID cases in the region.

The public health guidance for supermarkets includes:

– ensuring the use of face coverings by customers and staff (unless someone is medically exempt)
– using a one way system
– limiting numbers of shoppers in store
– social distancing markers for 2 metres
– allowing only one person to shop with exceptions such as people who need a carer

It also asks supermarkets to remind customers to only handle products they intend to buy.

Ian Ashworth, current chair of the Cheshire & Merseyside Directors of Public Health Board, said: “Despite the great progress being made with the vaccine roll out, it is still important that organisations continue to keep people safe.

“Supermarkets and food stores can help reduce the spread of COVID by strictly adhering to the public health guidance.

“Our hospitals are still extremely overwhelmed with COVID patients so we must do everything we can.

“If supermarkets and food stores can closely follow the guidance, it will contribute to fewer positive COVID cases in our community.

“We all want to see an end to this lockdown.

“We would like to thank everyone working in the food/retail sector who have worked tirelessly to serve their customers throughout this difficult time.”

Residents are being urged to shop locally and use online deliveries where possible.

A full list of exceptions to the “stay at home” rules can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you develop symptoms of COVID (fever, new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell) you can obtain a test by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

If your test is positive you must follow the guidance including self-isolating immediately.

More information on self-isolating can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

For those who need support during this difficult time, visit www.kindtoyourmind.org which has details of 24/7 crisis helplines and resources to help mental wellbeing.

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