Latest Update (updated 27 July 2021)
Cheshire West and Chester COVID-19 Outbreak Board Position Statement: Advice to Residents post 19th July 2021
As we approach 19th July and Step 4 of the national COVID road map out of lockdown, many of the existing control measures will no longer be a legal requirement for us to follow.
Our infection rates are still very high in the area and continuing to increase. Currently, Cheshire West and Chester has an infection rate of 334 per 100,000 up to 7th July, a 25% increase from the previous week, and the rates are continuing to rise. The rates are highest in the 20-29 age range and we are now seeing more people (currently over 60 admissions) requiring treatment for COVID in our local hospitals.
In the light of rising COVID-19 infections locally and changes to the national COVID-19 restrictions, we are asking those living, working and visiting Cheshire West and Chester, to go above and beyond the minimum guidance required. Please visit Your West Cheshire for more information and guidance.
We are advising businesses to make sure they check their water supplies and water management processes due to an increased risk of Legionella bacteria being present as a result of water systems not being used while premises have been closed during the recent lockdown.
-
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace - Critical services
The government has released a list of 16 sectors where fully vaccinated workers may be exempt from isolation if they are told to quarantine after coming into close contact with a positive COVID case.
Self-isolation remains an essential tool in our national efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus. In the small number of situations where the self-isolation of close contacts would result in serious disruption to critical services, a limited number of named workers may be able to leave self-isolation under specific controls for the purpose of undertaking critical work only.
This process is only intended to run until 16 August 2021, when fully vaccinated close contacts will be exempt from self-isolation. The government will continue to engage closely on this with employers over the summer.
Who should self-isolate; how to self-isolate; how to look after any symptoms at home. Also sections about how people can get financial help to tide them over the self-isolation period, how to get essential shopping, where to get support with wellbeing and even tips on how to cope with boredom.
Changes to Job Retention Scheme (furlough)
From 1 July 2021, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a maximum cap of £2187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough.
Employers will top up employees’ wages to make sure they receive 80% of wages (up to £2,500) in total for the hours the employee is on furlough. The caps are proportional to the hours not worked.
Find out more about how the scheme is changing.
Claims for furlough days in June 2021 must be made by 14 July 2021.
Financial Support for Businesses
- Recovery Loan Scheme supports access to finance for UK businesses as they grow and recover from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. As the borrower, you are always 100% liable for the debt.
The scheme is open until 31 December 2021, subject to review.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are you aged 18 or over and haven't yet had your first vaccination against COVID-19 or do you know someone who falls into this group? From Monday 19 July 2021 there will be walk-in vaccinations clinics across the West Cheshire area. Poster with more information on venues and dates.
- LFT testing for businesses with over 250 employees that are still operational should email P-and-PSector@dhsc.gov.uk to discuss testing arrangements. To register their interest in the scheme, large businesses must send their company name, registration number, contact details and sector type, along with the number of employees to P-and-PSector@dhsc.gov.uk with ‘Register interest for National Worker Programme’ in the subject line.
- Business contract tracing resources are now available on the Cheshire West and Chester Council’s website; resources to guide business through the contact tracing process, case recording, etc.
Further Information
Information available on other COVID funding support
Check out our News Section for the further updates
|