COUNCIL LEADERS SAY THEY WEREN’T CONSULTED ON NEW COVID RESTRICTIONS

COUNCIL leaders say they were not consulted over new coronavirus restrictions which come into force today.

Cheshire East has been classed as a tier two ‘high alert’ area under the new three-tier system for England, meaning indoor household mixing will be banned, except in some situations, such as work or education.

The new restrictions are aimed at bringing down the rocketing Covid-19 infection rates seen in Cheshire East and elsewhere in Cheshire in recent weeks.

Cheshire East currently has a seven-day infection rate of 145.5 cases per 100,000 population, up from 121.8 per 100,000 for the previous seven days.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show there were three deaths involving coronavirus in Cheshire East in the week ending October 2, bringing the total for the borough to 565. This is Cheshire East’s highest weekly death toll since July. Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, below, has previously called for more restrictions on people’s movements, but he revealed the authority was not involved in the decision to place the borough in tier two. He says the council will now look to work with Government to ‘modify’ the restrictions which have been imposed on Cheshire East.

Mr Corcoran said: “Disappointingly, we were not consulted on new restrictions planned for implementation in Cheshire East.

“This is despite us, with Cheshire West and Warrington councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership, writing in detail to the Secretary of State for Health, setting out our asks of Government over a week ago, with no reply.”

He added: “I’m pleased the Government has finally taken action to address the sharp rise in infections in Cheshire East.

“The new rules, that come into force today, state that no person living in a tier two area such as Cheshire East may meet with anyone indoors, nor with six or more people outdoors, unless they are part of your household, or for work, education, childcare or supporting a vulnerable person. People living alone can form a bubble and be treated as part of another household.

“I will be looking to work with central Government and neighbouring authorities over the next week to improve test and trace, and to modify the package of restrictions that have been imposed on Cheshire.

“People can still travel for work or education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible.”

Most parts of England, including Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire, have been classed as tier one ‘medium alert’ areas, where no additional restrictions have been introduced. The ‘rule of six’ will still apply for people meeting indoors or outdoors, and pubs and restaurants will still have to close at 10pm.

In tier two areas, such as Cheshire East, the new rule barring indoor household mixing has been imposed on top of the existing restrictions, meaning the ‘rule of six’ will still apply outdoors. Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington, both of which have higher infections rate than Cheshire East, are also included in tier two.

Halton is the only part of Cheshire included in the tier three ‘very high alert’ area covering the Liverpool city region.

In tier three areas, all household mixing is banned, apart from in certain outdoor settings, such as parks and beaches, where the rule of six will apply. Pubs and bars not serving meals will be forced to close.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that tier three areas will be getting additional funding from central Government.

Leaders at Cheshire East Council had requested extra resources in addition to the new powers and restrictions, but so far nothing has been announced for tier two areas,

Deputy leader Craig Browne added: “Our ask to the Secretary of State made it clear that, in order to be effective, enhanced measures would require financial support. We have received no confirmation that additional funding will be provided, or that the necessary financial support for business will be forthcoming.”