With positive covid cases very high in Cheshire East and the new directives this week, the council is asking parents and carers to maintain covid safe behaviours when attending Christmas events at nurseries, schools, or colleges.

While some settings have taken the difficult decision to cancel their Christmas performances based on their risk assessment, others across the borough are continuing with their planned nativity plays, concerts and festive themed pantomimes.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Positive covid cases have been the highest in the 0-19 age group for quite some time now.

"I don't wish to dampen the spirits of children, young people and our schools who will have spent a great deal of time planning and looking forward to their first Christmas performances since the pandemic began.

"But I want everyone to be covid safe with rising cases in Cheshire East and the potential risks of the Omicron variant. That means taking a lateral flow test before leaving home, sanitising hands on arrival and departure, and for all adults to wear a face covering during performances.

"If you do feel unwell before you plan to leave or display any Covid-19 symptoms, to stay at home and arrange to get a PCR test.

"Our schools will all have undertaken a risk assessment before deciding to proceed with their performances and will have the necessary Covid-19 safety measures in place.

"Small steps really can make a huge difference and it's in our hands to look after each other by staying safe at any festive event attended."

For more local information, advice, and support, visit the council's Covid-19 webpages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19