Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester boroughs will be in Tier 2 – the ‘high alert’ level – once national lockdown ends on December 2.
The Government made the announcement this morning, which means both boroughs remaining in same tier as they were before national lockdown back in early November.
Despite falling Covid cases in recent weeks, Cheshire East’s rate remains at around 165 per 100,000, not low enough to move it down into Tier 1.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is announcing the new tiers for England in a statement to MPs this morning.
And Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a press conference later today to the nation.
But the tiers were announced in an online postcode checker.
Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson has confirmed them on Twitter, saying: “The Government has announced that Cheshire West and Chester, and Cheshire East will be under Tier 2 restrictions.”
Crewe & Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan added: “I think it’s reasonable for now. Rates are coming down but are still high.
“No one wants any of these restrictions, I don’t.
“But whilst case rates are continuing to decline across Cheshire, with a 27.4% fall, they are still high.
“Case rates in those over 60 remain high as well, though they are also falling. So we are on the right path and tiers will be reviewed again in 2 weeks.
“In the meantime, we have just got to all knuckle down and stick to the rules as our best way of getting out of them.
“I will continue to push for Cheshire East to be treated separately wherever possible.
“I am optimistic vaccines and mass testing will give us a way through this pandemic.
“All I can do is ask once again for people’s patience and perseverance. The government has set out the rules for Christmas for those families that want to get together.
My team and I are always happy to help answer any questions about the rules and to help local businesses access the financial support available to them.
“I urge Cheshire East to make available the local restrictions grants as soon as possible.”
It means no mixing of households indoors, and maximum of six outdoors. Pubs and restaurants only serving alcohol with “substantial” meals.
However, outdoor sports venues can re-open with a maximum of 50% capacity or 2,000 people, whichever is lower.
This will be good news for Crewe Alexandra and Nantwich Town.
Tiers will be reviewed again by the Government on December 16.
Can I ask Dr “blow with the wind” Mullen how the Xmas free for all his party have put in place scans with his concerns above!. Mr Gove this morning saying the NHS will be overwhelmed without Tiers in place, can he hear himself. Engage brain before putting to paper.