THE Mayor of Winsford has said we owe it to vulnerable residents to keep following restrictions post July 19.

Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside’s nine council areas – Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington and Wirral – have issued the same advice for residents and businesses.

The advice includes getting fully vaccinated, being kind and considerate of others who may be feeling extremely nervous about the further lifting of restrictions and continuing to wear face coverings in crowded indoor areas where social distancing cannot be followed.

People are also being urged to continue social distancing by not unnecessarily being in crowded areas and continuing to work from home if possible, continue to practice good hand hygiene and to keep getting tested and self isolate if you have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19.

Businesses are being urged to continue with Covid-19 safety guidance, keep engaging with the Test and Trace process, and encourage employees to get tested and have the vaccine.

Nathan Pardoe, Mayor of Winsford, said: "We all hope things can get back to normal, but Covid-19 cases remain high in the region and in Winsford.

"The World Health Organization has said that the Government’s unlocking is a threat at home and abroad.

"I encourage residents to follow the local health advice from the Cheshire West and Chester Council Director of Public Health.

"Getting fully vaccinated and continuing to use face coverings, social distancing and regular testing are the best way to stop the spread.

"There are still many in our town who are extremely vulnerable, and we owe it to them to keep up with our existing behaviours and protect them.

"Each Covid-19 case that is avoided is potentially another hospital bed free for other treatment, another unvaccinated child who doesn’t fall ill, and a chance to avoid a vaccine-resistant variant.

"It’s not just about protecting ourselves, it’s about protecting others."