FRODSHAM and Helsby are to get enhanced support to tackle the surge in Covid's Delta variant across Cheshire.

A national support package will be directed towards the borough of Cheshire West and Chester where in less than three weeks the seven-day infection rate has risen from five per 100,000 population on May 23 to at least 113 by June 8.

Early testing data shows that more than 85 per cent of these cases are more likely to belong to the Delta Variant B.1.617.2, which is more transmissible than previous variants.

Cases are rising in other areas of the North West, including Cheshire East, Warrington, Halton, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, which are also receiving the enhanced support packages.

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins stressed: "I'd like to reassure residents that the enhanced support package does not represent a local lockdown or a return to a tiered system.

"It offers extra support and guidance on the simple things residents can do to play their part and keep friends and family safe. It also helps us put the case to government for more vaccine supplies, to continue to make progress in protecting our communities."

Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council Ian Ashworth has revealed there have been significant outbreaks of the Delta variant linked to pubs and schools.

"Having seen the substantial increase in transmission in our neighbours in Greater Manchester, it was sadly only a matter of time before the spread was to be seen across Cheshire given our strong links with friends and family, work and travel," he said.

"Alongside neighbouring boroughs, the government has therefore identified Cheshire as an area to provide additional national support to maximise our own local response and help prevent further cases.

"We know the importance of the vaccine programme, with all the current evidence showing the massively positive protective benefits of having both doses of the vaccine in helping prevent serious illness and hospitalisation of the new Delta Variant.

"We are therefore asking for significant increases in the vaccine supply for our communities and much-improved access to vaccination clinics across our borough, alongside greater levels of testing and self-isolation support.

"We know the importance of keeping to the basics after this last year in terms of hands, face, space and fresh air. In particular we would like to remind everyone where possible to meet outside rather inside wherever you can and to minimise our travel to areas with really high rates."

The enhanced support package is expected to provide the council with additional national support to maximise the existing local response, including enhanced vaccine access and supply, increased testing in key areas, enhanced contact tracing and more face-to-face engagement with communities.

Council leaders from across Cheshire have also written to the Secretary of State requesting additional vaccine supply to enable faster progress vaccinating younger age groups.

Cheshire West and Chester residents are being advised to:

• Meet outside rather than inside where possible
• Keep two metres apart from people that you don't live with, this includes friends and family you do not live with
• Minimise travel in and out of affected areas

Anyone aged 25 and over is invited to book a vaccination and all residents are being asked to take Lateral Flow Tests twice a week.

For full information on where to get tested or pick up home testing kits visit.

Anyone with symptoms, including a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change in sense of smell or taste, should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.