Cheshire East and West boroughs will move into the tightest Covid-19 restrictions from tomorrow, Matt Hancock has confirmed.
Speaking to the House of Commons this afternoon (Wednesday, December 30), the Health Secretary outlined that both Cheshire West and Cheshire East are to move from Tier 3 to Tier 4 controls.
Mr Hancock said: “We must act to surpress the virus now. While we have the good news of the vaccine today, there are over 21,00 people in hospital with Covid-19 right now.
“The threat to life is real. This new variant is now spreading across England.”
Tier 4, which comes into effect at 12:01am tomorrow morning, means a ‘Stay At Home’ alert level is in place, with non-essential retail stores closing, and residents can only see one other person from another household outdoors.
Neighbouring Warrington and Greater Manchester will also move up to Tier 4.
Crewe & Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan said: “Though it isn’t the only thing they look at, the rate has gone from 183 to 238 per 100,000 up to December 24.
“Admissions to Leighton are up by 60% in the last seven days. I think they weren’t really left with any choice.
“I know this change will be very hard for hospitality and gyms and other that have to shut. So I just have to ask for patience & perseverance.
“The second vaccine which is much much easier to store and transport has been approved so we have a way out. There are 500,000 of the new vaccine ready for deployment on Monday.
“As with other Tiers support and childcare bubbles are still allowed for people isolated alone at home.
“And there are other exemptions for volunteering and caring and compassionate grounds.
“You can also leave home to exercise and meet one other person in a public place like a park.
“So please look at all the rules and my team and I are always happy to try and answer any questions you might have.”
The Cheshire boroughs have seen rises in their infection rates climb rapidly in the past week — from 167.6 to 238.4 per 100,000 people in Cheshire East, and from 205.9 to 266.4 per 100,000 people in Cheshire West.
Furthermore, the region’s latest hospital data — from 9am on December 23 — shows a week-on-week rise in the number of Covid-19 admissions in two out of the three hospital trusts in Cheshire East and West.
At that time, Mid Cheshire Hospitals – including Leighton – had 109 Covid patients with eight on ventilation.
East Cheshire NHS Trust – including Macclesfield Hospital – had 76 coronavirus patients, with one on ventilation, while the Countess of Chester had 12 on ventilation of its 142 patients.
One week earlier, Mid Cheshire Hospitals had 75 Covid patients in total, East Cheshire Trust had 66 and the Countess had 151.
The move is the second change for the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region in a matter of days, with Mr Hancock announcing its move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on December 23 — which came into force on Boxing Day — before revealing the latest changes.
Even today New Years Eve Nantwich square is still full of people eating & drinking did they not watch / listen to the news yesterday .
Are they thick & stupid ?
There are some shops still open that are non essential they obviously think they are above the law & doesn’t apply to them .
If this stupidity continues then the lock down will go on for longer .
It’s people that’s spreading this virus, STAY AT HOME
Does tier 4 really start at 12.01am?
I think that should read 00h01 which is one minute after midnight on 31/12/2020.
12.01am does not make sense because any time after 12h00 is pm NOT am? In fact 12.01am does not exist.
???
One minute after midnight can be written as follows:
24-hour system:
00:01
12-hour system:
12:01 a.m.
How sad, with what’s going on in the world you pick fault in the way the time is displayed,get a life.
I really think schools should close we should be in complete lockdown to get to grips with the pandemic. I am worried sick about the South African Covid as it’s so virulent and is hitting the younger generation. I’m in childcare I am petrified as I don’t know where the children I look after have been or where their parents have been. It’s very very scary.
Perhaps this will STOP the masses that gather every day on Nantwich square ,Eating ,Drinking ,Chatting .
What is it they don’t get ??????????
Stay at home simple ,
Is it worth it just to eat & drink ? This can be done from the safety of your home .
Why haven’t Cheshire East / Police moved these people on especially buskers who encourage people to linger .
I totally agree with what your saying