THE leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council has welcomed the delay in the lifting of lockdown restrictions as the borough's infection rate continues to rise.

Tonight Boris Johnson announced the planned easing of restrictions on June 21 would be put on hold until July 19 – a delay of four weeks.

This comes as the latest data shows the infection rate in Cheshire West and Chester reached 113 per 100,000 people as of June 9.

Early testing data shows that at least 85 per cent of these cases are the new Delta variant, first identified in India.

Now Cllr Louise Gittins, the leader of CWAC, is urging residents, businesses and communities to continue playing their part to turn things around.

Cllr Gittins said: “It goes without saying that I am disappointed we will not see the easing of restrictions that we had all hoped for on June 21 – but it makes a lot of sense to delay this for four weeks.

“In our borough we have seen how quickly the new Delta variant spreads, so to unlock completely now would have been unwise.

“This is why I welcome this delay, which gives us more chance to limit the spread of the virus and to find out whether the rising infection rate causes a rise in people being admitted to hospital.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your vaccine when it is offered to you – and if you have been offered it in the past but didn’t take up that chance it is not too late. This is our best form of defence against Covid-19, both as individuals and as a community.

“Alongside this it is vital to keep washing or sanitising your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and keep two metres away from anyone who you don’t live with or who isn’t in your support bubble.

“Minimise how much you travel, work from home as much as possible and, if you are socialising, try to stay outdoors in the fresh air.

“I would like to thank all our local residents and businesses for all that they have done to combat this virus so far and I am disappointed that we still need to keep these measures in place, but it’s important for us all to play our part to tackle Covid-19.”

The national roadmap had previously listed June 21 as the earliest date by which legal limits on social contact could be removed, all premises could reopen, including nightclubs, and restrictions could be eased on large events and performances.

Anyone aged 23 and over is now invited to book their vaccine. Visit: cheshireccg.nhs.uk for more information.