Cheshire East Council is urging residents and businesses to remain cautious following the relaxing of Covid restrictions and the move to step four from Monday.

Cases of the Delta variant are continuing to rise right across Cheshire East (305 cases per 100,000 in the latest week 4 July to 10 July) and the borough remains in the Enhanced Response Area (ERA) designation.

And the borough's director of public health, Dr Matt Tyrer, is urging anyone not fully vaccinated to get their vaccinations for maximum protection.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Sam Corcoran, said: "We have all waited for so long for restrictions to be eased, but now is definitely not the right time to become complacent and to let our guard down.

"Staff, volunteers, key workers and businesses across the borough have all worked tirelessly to help get us to this stage. But we owe it to ourselves and to others to be responsible and keep following the guidance."

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Along with public health colleagues and partners, I fear the current situation with Covid cases rising and an increase in related hospitalisations, is only going to get worse before it gets better.

"Therefore, getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to keep yourself and others closest to you safe. If you haven't taken up either your first or second jab yet, then please do so, as you need both doses for maximum protection.

"We are still advising to continue wearing a mask to protect others especially in crowded spaces or on public transport, and if you feel you should wear one in other settings or are in a situation where you think you should, then do wear it".

For the latest information and advice on the move to Step 4, testing, vaccinations and self-isolation support, go to the council's Covid-19 webpage.