Cheshire West Tier 2 Christmas 'likely', say officials

A CHANGE in Cheshire West's Covid-19 Tier ranking is unlikely when the government reviews each area's ranking, council officials have signalled.

At a meeting of CWAC's outbreak board, deputy chief executive Delyth Curtis said: "We will be looking up to being re-assessed — discussions will be starting with Public Health England.

"We should expect to stay in Tier 2."

Ms Curtis' comments were later supported by CWAC leader Cllr Louise Gittins.

Data to December 3 shows the borough's infection rate is 103.8 cases per 100,000 residents — well below the UK average of 154.8.

However, CWAC's director of public health Ian Ashworth warned that although the 7-day infection rate had remained in-and-around 100 since November 26, he expected cases to rise in the coming weeks.

Mr Ashworth told the meeting: "I expect rates to go up now. It's highly unlikely that rates will reduce any further.

"We know they will increase with Tier 2, so we need to suppress the virus until the vaccine is widely available."

The director of public health went on to say that the government uses an over-60s infection rate 'when they allocate tiers', with CWAC's rate currently being 118 per 100,000.

Despite this being below the UK average, the borough has seen rates climb in octogenarians as some care homes reported outbreaks at the start of December.

The board will next meet in January, unless its tier ranking changes.