MANAGERS at Crewe's Lyceum Theatre have been left bemused by the government's decision to pause the roadmap out of lockdown.

They say the venue will remain closed while social distancing is in force and are perplexed as they claim there is no link between live events and transmission of Covid-19.

Boris Johnson confirmed last night most measures would remain in place until July 19 because of the rapid spread of the Delta variant, dashing the hopes of venues, including theatres such as the Lyceum where the commercial viability of productions would be compromised by social distancing.

After initially aiming to unlock completely on June 21, dubbed Freedom Day, the PM insists a four-week delay will allow more people time to get vaccinated.

The government also revealed Cheshire has been included in an Enhanced Resource Area to combat the rise of the variant which could include measures to improve vaccine uptake and extra testing, including in schools, as well as warnings on travelling to neighbouring areas.

A number of pilot events with crowds in sports stadia and entertainment venues have taken place in recent weeks to gauge health and safety.

But the Lyceum says it cannot operate while social distancing remains, although it could put other measures in place to enhance audience safety.

In a statement the theatre said: "We are very disappointed with the government's announcement. While we understand the case for a cautious approach, the government's recent research shows no correlation between live events and transmission.

"As the live event research demonstrates, a visit to a show presents no greater risk than a trip to a restaurant, pub, cinema or supermarket."

The theatre has been shut since the first lockdown was imposed last March. Most of its staff have been furloughed and shows rescheduled into next year, although some have been arranged for next month.

Lyceum managers are urging the government to act "as quickly as possible" to allow them to reopen.

"The nature of our venue programme means that, even once restrictions are lifted, it will be some time before we can welcome audiences back to see a show. Each delay pushes this reopening date back further, with obvious implications for the local economy, our business and the health and wellbeing of our communities and staff," they said.

Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran says the special measures reflect those taken locally to combat the rise in infections and he has asked for vaccine supplies to the borough to be increased.

Cheshire East's seven-day rolling infection rate of infection has risen to 127.6 per 100,000 population, which is comparable to rates recorded in February, while that figure had dropped to below 14 at the beginning of May.

"It (the Enhanced Resource Area) very much reflects the measures we have been putting in place locally over the last few weeks as local data showed us that infections were rising," said Cllr Corcoran.

"For example, we have worked with the Department of Health and Social Care and Sodexo to bring in additional testing capacity. We are working closely with schools around testing and other measures such as face coverings.

"And I, with the other Cheshire council leaders, have written to the Secretary of State for Health about vaccines."

Cheshire East Council Director of Public Health Dr Matt Tyrer says the Delta variant has caused "significant outbreaks" in local hospitality and catering establishments, retail outlets and schools.

Crewe and Nantwich along with Macclesfield have been identified as problem areas and health chiefs are urging people to take a PCR test, especially those in customer facing roles and those in the 18 to 39 age group.

Dr Tyrer says the outbreak mirrors surges in areas of Greater Manchester and the North West and added: "It was sadly only a matter of time before the spread was to be seen across Cheshire given our strong links with work, travel and friends and family.

"We will be asking for significant increases in the vaccine supply for our communities and much-improved access to vaccination sites and pop-up clinics across our borough, alongside greater levels of testing and self-isolation support."

Anyone aged 25 and over (and aged 23 and 24 from June 15) can book their Covid-19 vaccination via the NHS website.

In addition, people are being advised to take Lateral Flow Tests twice a week.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan says people should used their judgement about travelling decisions and while he is supportive of the government decision he admits people's patience is wearing thin.

"We are also being asked to avoid travelling out of the area, but again, this is just within what you can reasonably manage. No one can tell you exactly what that means for every situation. I just ask you to make an effort where possible," he said.

"With just four weeks millions more people can get a double dose and double dose is what is needed for decent protection from the new variant. So on balance I think it is the right thing to do. But, the time is coming when we will need to learn to live with the virus. We can't keep this up forever."