Tuesday, 29 March 2022
Wednesday, 23 March 2022
Council warns the pandemic isn’t over as cases rise again
Cheshire East Council is warning residents the pandemic isn’t over following a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases recently.
Latest figures released on the official UK government website (21 March) show the rate of positive cases in Cheshire East has risen to 843 per 100,000 population. The rate per
100,000 population in the North West is 642 and 780 in England.
The current estimate for the ‘R number’ in the North West is 1.1 – 1.4 (19 March 2022). This means that, on average, 10 infected people will transmit the infection to 11 to 14 other people.
81.3 per cent of all positive Covid-19 cases are of the new BA.2 Omicron variant, which is shown to be far more transmissible.
Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “The rise in positive Covid-19 cases recently not only in Cheshire East but in neighbouring areas, is worrying, although not wholly surprising since restrictions have ended in England.
“Looking at the recent surge in cases across the borough in all age groups, it is clear the pandemic is far from over.
“Sadly, we are also seeing an increase in hospitalisations for people with Covid-19, which is creating additional pressures, especially in our local hospitals.
“Residents should continue to follow the latest Covid-19 safety advice including self-isolating if you develop covid symptoms or test positive, washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, and unless exempt, wearing a face mask in busy, crowded indoor places, especially in healthcare settings.”
Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Positive Covid-19 cases were falling right up until the beginning of this month.
“Over the period 15 to 21 March we have seen a 46.7 per cent rise in cases – that’s an increase of 1,145 residents testing positive in Cheshire East over the past seven days.
“I am also concerned about government funding not being renewed for the Covid Zoe project run by King’s College London, as well as a reduction of £440m for test & trace programmes and public health teams which have been working so effectively on infection control. These cuts do not appear to have come at a good time.
“We look after each other by staying safe and it really is in our hands to do all we can to reduce this latest rise of Covid-19 cases.”
Residents can continue to take the following five steps to help reduce the rate of infection and for those around them:
- Get vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and to protect others;
- Wear a face covering in crowded and indoor places – unless exempt;
- Let in fresh air when you meet others indoors, especially if they’re at high risk from Covid-19;
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitiser; and
- Stay at home and get tested if you have Covid-19 symptoms.
For all the latest information on Covid-19 testing, vaccinations, support, and guidance, please go to the council’s webpages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19
Dog Safety In Your Vehicle
Dog Safety In Your Vehicle
The safest way a dog to ride in the car is secured in a crate or with a dog seat belt and harness Combination.
No matter the method you use, your dog shouldn't sit in the front seat under any circumstances.
Securing them in the cargo area or back seat behind a front seat is safer.
Weather its a trip to the vets or a visit to the beach, most owners will take their dog in the car at some stage.
It's almost goes without saying, however that cars can be dangerous for dogs if care and common sense are not applied.
Remember also that the Highway Code states motorists need to ensure dogs are " suitably restrained " while travelling in the car.
Residents asked to have their say on new Dementia Strategy
Cheshire East Council has (today) opened a public consultation to help shape a new Cheshire East Dementia Strategy.
This strategy was developed by the council in partnership with the people who use services, their family and carers, local providers, and NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (Cheshire CCG).
Utilising the NHS England Well Pathway for Dementia, the strategy consultation aims to ensure the voices of people with dementia, and their carers, shape how resources are used most effectively to enable good quality of life for people with dementia, and to ensure dementia services are accessible to everyone who needs them.
Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council’s committee chair for adults and health, said: “Dementia is such a debilitating disease that has a profound effect on the people living with the disease and their families.
“People have told us that they want more personalised and integrated care and support for those affected by dementia.
“We want to hear from as many of our residents as possible, including those with dementia and their carers or relatives, about what services work well, but also if there are gaps in the range of support which could be improved, so the wellbeing and quality of life for every person with dementia is the best it can be.”
Other stakeholders involved in developing the strategy included: dementia friendly community members, individuals living with dementia and their carers, Body Positive, care community members, local health and social care providers, and voluntary organisations.
The council wishes to thank everyone involved for taking the time to support this important work.
Residents can take part in the dementia strategy consultation or find out more about it on the council consultations web page:
https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/Dementiaconsultation/
There is also an easy read version of the consultation available: https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/EasyReadDementiaPlan/
The dementia strategy consultation closes on: 15 June 2022.
Wednesday, 9 March 2022
SCAM WARNING: COVID text messages
SCAM WARNING: COVID text messages
Watch out for fake text messages pretending to be from the NHS. Since Jan 1st, 412 victims have reported losses totalling more than £531,000. Please use the following links if you would like to see an example of the fake NHS messages reported to Action Fraud:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/actionfrauduk/status/1498945958427594752?s=20&t=RL99N7i-yXmXcqU2xUbiiw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actionfraud/photos/a.411244602226592/7380075412010108/
What you need to look out for:
How to report scam messages:
For information on NHS coronavirus testing, visit: www.nhs.uk
Cheshire East smokers urged to quit on No Smoking Day
Smokers across Cheshire East are being urged to quit the habit on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 9 March), in a nationwide initiative to encourage smokers to give up for good.
The pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in a rise in stress and concern about health. And whilst in the past year the chances of smokers successfully quitting have been high, smokers who are experiencing stress and mental distress are likely to be smoking even more.
Currently, over 40,000 adults still smoke in Cheshire East and the council is tackling this issue by providing help through One You Cheshire East, which provides expert support and advice about quitting the deadly habit.
Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your physical health but also is proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing.
“Quitting can improve your mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. It can save you a lot of money as well.
“Giving up smoking completely may take several attempts, and that’s normal, but every time people quit smoking, they’re a step closer to success.”
Helen, a former smoker from Alderley Edge, said: “The benefit of joining the One You programme was the support I received. I simply couldn't have got through it without support and information I got along with the expert knowledge from Karolina my One You health coach.
“I would absolutely recommend this programme to others. The amount of people I've talked to about it is unreal. I couldn’t have done it on my own and there's no two ways about it. The support I received has been phenomenal and I would recommend it to the world.”
In order to speak to someone at One You Cheshire East about quitting smoking, freephone 0808 1643 202, or visit the One You website at: www.oneyoucheshireeast.org
Alternatively, NHS telephone and online support is available and can also be accessed through an NHS app. Visit the NHS website for more information at: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Cheshire East Council hosts panel Q&A session with inspirational females for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day takes place today - a global celebration of the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women.
This year’s theme is ‘break the bias’, promoting the importance of gender equality to help create a world that is diverse, inclusive, and free of bias.
To mark this event, Cheshire East Council has held a recorded Q&A panel session with influential females in the borough, hosted by Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, Jackie Weaver.
Panel members from the Council include Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, chief executive of Cheshire East Council, who recounts her story of joining the council during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Kay Mcintyre MBE, Cheshire East Council’s area manager for the borough’s Youth Support Service, and Jasmine Ward, a member of Youth Parliament for Cheshire East who has helped to lead a mental health conference for young people and run a campaign against sexual harassment.
Partners on the panel were Katy O’Reegan, a former BBC radio presenter and youth worker who is now an entrepreneur running a community magazine delivered free to 32,000 homes, Guyanese Cheshire East Councillor and former Midwife Alift Harewood, Saskia Lightburn-Richie - chief executive of My CWA who works with families who are affected by domestic abuse, and Sally Probert-Hill, chief executive of Body Positive, a sexual health and LGBT+ charity for Cheshire.
During the session panel members were asked a series of questions around their professional experiences and personal achievements, while sharing their views on key topics such as imposter syndrome, the importance of male allies, creating workplace cultures to attract and retain female leaders, and the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day.
“Today is not only a day to reflect on the progress that has been made in our fight for equality, but how far we have yet to go to tackle discrimination and stereotyping.
“At the council we have strong females represented in a variety of roles across all our services, all of whom are committed to achieving the best outcomes for the people of Cheshire East, and this is something I am immensely proud to be part of.”
Councillor Marilyn Houston, Cheshire East Council equality, diversity and inclusion member champion, said: “With another International Women’s Day upon us once again, I find myself in awe of the achievements of so many strong female leaders, not only within the council across different services, but across the borough and the world.
“This panel session is just a snapshot of some of the key female representatives we have in Cheshire East, and offers some amazing insights from strong females from different backgrounds, cultures and ages.
“We hope that by taking the time to celebrate this hugely important date in the calendar, more women will rejoice, come together and speak out to help break the bias and work with us as we look to creating a more gender-equal world.”
The Q&A session can be viewed via this link on the Cheshire East Council YouTube channel.
A transcript of this event can also be found here (MS Word, 59KB).
Residents are also encouraged to join in with the national International Women’s Day campaign by following the hashtag #InternationalWomensDay22 on Twitter, sharing their stories across social media, and taking a photograph of themselves posing in the ‘crossed arms’ campaign pose, showing solidarity for the rights of women.
Cheshire East Council plans for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022
Cheshire East Council has announced plans for the extended Platinum Jubilee bank holiday celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign.
Her Majesty The Queen is the first British monarch in history to celebrate a platinum jubilee, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 after the death of her father King George VI, when just 25 years old.
To help with the celebrations across the borough, Cheshire East Council is providing a community fund to allow residents to apply for up to £120 for street parties or similar community events.
More information and how to apply for the Queen’s Jubilee community fund can be found on the council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/queensjubilee along with guidance on managing events safely.
Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council’s committee chair for communities, said: “This Platinum Jubilee is an amazing milestone and one which marks 70 years of unparalleled public service by Her Majesty The Queen.
“Whether you are attending a local street party, planting a tree for the Jubilee as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy or involved with the Platinum Jubilee Beacons, it really is a once in a lifetime celebration and opportunity for all of our residents and communities to come together to mark this historic occasion.”
Confirmed events taking place across the borough so far include:
- Congleton Park Jubilee Celebration, Thursday 2 June 2022
Celebrating 150 years in the park and the 750th charter year, there will be a Jubilee Picnic with concert band.
- Queens Park (Crewe) Jubilee Event, Friday 3 June 2022
The Friends of Queens Park will be presenting a free event for the local community to celebrate the Jubilee.
Organised by Lady Redmond MBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, the council have been invited to play a role in a service of commemoration being held at Chester Cathedral on Thursday 2 June. Details will be announced shortly.
Applications for a Queen’s Jubilee street party road closure are free of charge and must be received by Friday 8 April 2022. Residents can apply via the Cheshire East Council website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/events-whats-on-guide/event_organisers/road_closures.aspx
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest news by signing up to the council’s Platinum Jubilee newsletter which can be accessed via the email newsletter sign up form, by selecting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee topic. This newsletter will provide all the latest local and national events taking place, alongside volunteering opportunities and other celebratory activities being held.