Extra support to tackle Delta variant in Cheshire
It will include surge testing and help to increase vaccine takeup
Extra support to tackle a rise in cases of the Delta variant, which was first recorded in India, has been announced for more areas of the North West and Birmingham.
The additional support will be introduced in Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Liverpool City Region and Warrington, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said on Monday.
The package, which is the same as was announced for Greater Manchester and Lancashire last week, will see more support for surge testing, tracing, isolation support and maximising vaccine uptake after a number of cases of the Delta variant were detected in the areas.
Those living in the areas will also be given extra guidance including to minimise travel in and out of the affected areas.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We are doing everything we can to stop the spread of the Delta variant, and working with local authorities, we are providing a strengthened package of support in areas where cases of the variant are increasing.
"We know this approach has made a real impact in south London and in Bolton where we have seen it stall rising cases.
"I urge people living these areas to get tested, come forward for your vaccine as soon as you are eligible and make sure to get the all-important second jab - that is how we will beat this virus.''
Local authorities will be given additional resources, including military aid, to help with delivering tests and there will be support for supervised in-school testing and surge testing.
The Government will also provide support to maximise vaccine uptake by "developing new capacity'' and increasing communications to reach different communities.
Chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Jenny Harries, said: "The Delta variant is now the dominant strain across the UK, with cases continuing to rise in some areas.
"People in these areas can help protect their community by remaining cautious, by working from home if possible and remembering to practise 'hands, face, space and fresh air'.
"Getting the vaccine gives a strong level of protection against this variant and I strongly recommend that everyone gets both jabs when the NHS invites you - it will protect you and your loved ones.'"
Leaders from the affected areas have also called on the Government for extra vaccine supplies.
Leader of St Helens Borough Council David Baines wrote on Twitter: "Just had a meeting along with other NW Leaders regarding #Covid support with Gov Minister Lord Bethell.
"We will be joining GM/Lancs in Enhanced Response Area but ridiculously we will get no extra vaccine supply for our region & no permission to open up the offer to all over 18s.''
In Liverpool, a spokesman for the council said the wards with rising coronavirus rates were also the areas with lowest vaccine take-up and the biggest increase in infections was among the 18-24 age group.
Director of public health Matthew Ashton said: "The recent rise in cases is extremely concerning and is a stark reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away.
"The vaccine offers the best possible protection against becoming seriously ill and I would urge everyone who is eligible to get one as soon as possible, even if you have already had Covid, and to also encourage their family and friends to do the same.
"We know that we have more work to do in some communities and areas of the city to increase take-up and we are absolutely focused on that."
Surge testing has also been announced in the GU47 0 postcode area of Bracknell Forest, on the border of Berkshire and Surrey, from Wednesday "following the identification of a small number of confirmed cases of the Delta (B1.617.2) variant'', DHSC said.
"All the confirmed cases have been instructed to self-isolate and their contacts have been identified,'' the statement said.
"Everyone over the age of 11 in Bracknell Forest who lives or works in these areas is strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.''