CHESHIRE East Council leader Sam Corcoran has stressed the importance of observing Covid-19 measures under the new stricter regime.

The Labour councillor admitted that concerns over the new variant of coronavirus were of "significant concern" and said people will have to accept rethinking their plans for Christmas, including considering not travelling in or out of the Cheshire East area.

Downsizing the Christmas bubble from a five-day period to Christmas Day only will be a big blow for many, but Cllr Corcoran says with infection rates rising in Cheshire East the tough stance was justified.

Currently, infection rates in the borough are rising sharply by the day and 724 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last seven days, a rise of 62 per cent on the previous seven days.

There were 124 positive tests in Cheshire East yesterday and the current rolling rate per 100,000 of population stands at 162.

There have been 31 deaths within 28 days of a positive test in Cheshire East in the last week, while the number of people admitted by the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust, which runs Crewe's Leighton Hospital, has risen to 54.

Cllr Corcoran said: "I would implore all Cheshire East residents to take every precaution over the festive period, rethinking plans, where necessary, to work within the new restrictions and minimise the risk of spreading infection.

"It is very sad that many people will not be able to meet up with loved ones as they had initially planned under previous guidance.

"We cannot risk letting the virus strengthen its grip in Cheshire East and this means we must take every precaution and not let down our guard over the festive period.

"If you are meeting up with people from different households, or outside your support bubble this Christmas, please do everything you can to stop the virus spreading. When you are around people you love and trust it is easy to let precautions slip.

"The best advice is to behave as if you have the virus. So cover your face, wash your hands, keep your distance. Meet outside if you can and meet for a shorter period. Do not travel into or out of the area unless you need to."

"Please also bear in mind the impact that these new developments will have on your friends, family and neighbours. Many will find the restrictions bitterly disappointing and feel lonelier and more isolated than ever. Look out for each other and keep in touch in socially distanced ways."

But the council leader stresses that with the growing vaccination programme and locally-delivered testing and contact tracing, there is "real hope" for the new year.

The new rules and guidance can be found here.

• Remember the previous relaxation for the period December 23-27 has been scrapped and people can only form a Christmas bubble on Christmas Day. Religious services can still take place with proper social distancing and Covid-secure measures in place.