Town’s first case amid lockdown
CORONAVIRUS has hit Macclesfield after a case was confirmed and residents and events were hit by strict new government guidance.
Cheshire East Council announced on Friday, March 13, that there had been a Covid-19 case in the town and it was working with the NHS and Public Health England in response.
A spokesman confirmed on Tuesday morning that this remained the only confirmed case in Macclesfield brought to the council’s attention. But the threat from coronavirus has intensified and on Monday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced stringent advice for everyone.
Macclesfield Town Council has said it is taking measures and has cancelled the Easter trail and the St George’s parade - with other future events under review.
Macclesfield Hospital has announced visiting restrictions ‘with immediate effect’, limiting it to 2pm to 4pm with no more than two visitors per patient.
It was also announced the isolation area on ward 11 was closed to all visitors ‘apart from exceptions’.
A spokesman for East
Cheshire NHS Trust said: “Please be aware that as a precaution related to Covid19. This is to reduce footfall and minimise the risk of transmission.
”In exceptional circumstances variations may be possible but only with the express agreement of the senior nurse in charge of the ward/department.
“These important measures will help ensure the safety of patients and visitors and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.” It follows news of the first death from coronavirus in Cheshire East, a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, on Sunday.
This and the one in Macclesfield are the only two confirmed in the borough according to Cheshire East Council on Tuesday.
Doctor Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “The council has been made aware of a case of Covid-19 within the borough and is working with partners.
“We are in regular contact with Public Health England and NHS England to ensure that the very latest protocols are adhered to. “Prevention is always better than cure, so, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from Covid-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene.”
As the situation develops guidance is updated daily.”
With ever stricter measures and advice the coronavirus pandemic has had implications for businesses and organisations in the town.
Leisure businesses have reported dramatically decreased footfall, events and meetings have been cancelled and Macclesfield Town games have been suspended until at least April 3.
Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found online at www.nhs.uk/ coronavirus.