RESIDENTS in Cheshire East have been told to stay close to home because of different Covid-19 tier regulations in neighbouring areas.

Leaders of Cheshire East Council have issued the advice jointly with their counterparts in Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wirral Council, Halton Council and Warrington Council and say people should only visit neighbouring boroughs for the purposes of work, education or health only.

Wirral and Halton Council areas have had the 'very high' level of restrictions imposed while Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington have fewer restrictions as they are in the 'high' level tier.

In Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington, the restrictions state that people should be reducing the number of journeys they make where possible.

Cheshire East Council leader Cllr Sam Corcoran said: "We are still seeing a rising rate of infection in Cheshire East with the region currently in 'high' level restrictions. We need to act now and do all we can to slow the spread of the virus and avoid facing higher restrictions as seen in our neighbouring boroughs.

"We know that the virus can't spread if people do the right thing and don't get close together, so I'd ask everyone to play their part by washing their hands, wearing a face covering, keeping their distance and getting tested and immediately self-isolating if they have symptoms.

"I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard and sacrificed so much to fight Covid-19, however this fight against the virus is far from over. I urge everyone to keep going doing the right thing to protect themselves and each other."

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Councillor Louise Gittins said: "All regions of the North West have a part to play in ensuring this virus does not spread further. We need to limit human interaction between households and across borough areas.

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"The infection rate is rising in Cheshire West, but not at the exponential rate in the Liverpool City region, so we need to support each other by remaining in our borough areas where possible.

"We would only advise people to travel to our neighbouring boroughs of Wirral and Halton for work, education and health purposes, because such venues must be Covid-secure and there is less chance of transmission."

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: "The new restrictions on the Liverpool City Region state clearly that residents of those areas – which includes Wirral – should not travel outside of the area, except for essential journeys such as for work, education or health reasons.

"It also says people shouldn't come into the Liverpool City Region from outside the area, with the same exemptions. We are at a critical point in controlling the spread of this dreadful virus, so it is vital that all of us stick to the rules and guidance at this time."

Halton Council leader, Cllr Rob Polhill, said: "We do not want to have to stay living under these 'very high' level restrictions for any longer than we have to. So we must now all look after each other and do the right thing.

"None of us want our movements curtailed in this way, but it is the only way we will get back to enjoying all that our region has to offer. We all need to stay strong to keep each other safe."

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: "We all have to do our bit to bring the number of positive cases down across the region."