Latest Covid-19 Status in Cheshire

Omicron Variant Identified in Cheshire West and Chester

Extensive surveillance of COVID-19 has identified cases of the Omicron variant in areas across England, including Cheshire West and Chester, that cannot be traced back to international travel.

The case confirmed in Cheshire West and Chester is self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate. Anyone who lives in the same household or is a close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant is required to self-isolate regardless of age or vaccination status. NHS Test and Trace will contact people in these circumstances directly.

On Thursday, to slow the spread of Omicron, new England-wide restrictions were announced in line with Plan B of the national Winter Plan, with some measures likely to come into force from Friday, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Plan B measures

The Government has announced that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant. This means the following.

• From Monday 13 December, those who can, will be advised to work from home. Employers should use the rest of this week to discuss working arrangements with their employees.
• From Friday 10 December, the Government will further extend the legal requirement to wear a face mask to most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. There will be exemptions in venues where it is not practical to wear one, such as when you are eating, drinking or exercising.
• From Wednesday 15 December, and subject to Parliamentary approval, the NHS COVID Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather -- including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
• People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Having considered the evidence since the emergence of Omicron, proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
• As Omicron spreads in the community, the Government also intends to introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive Omicron cases instead of the 10-day self-isolation period.

A full list of guidance on these changes will be availableHEREin the coming days.

Face covering regulations were laid in Parliament on Thursday, with the remaining regulations expected to be laid on Monday 13 December. Parliament will debate the measures next week, with a vote expected to take place on Tuesday 14 December.

The regulations are set to expire six weeks after implementation, with a review after three weeks.