THREE Cheshire councils have written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock asking for more resources in the county's fight against coronavirus.

Cheshire East leader, Cllr Sam Corcoran, made the announcement via a video posted on Twitter this morning (Monday) in response to the boroughs being added to the government's 'area of concern' watchlist.

The message comes following a weekend in which 489 new cases were confirmed in CEC and CWAC as a nationwide glitch revealed thousands of previously unreported positive tests.

Cllr Corcoran said: "Following the announcement that CEC is on the government's watchlist, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington Borough councils — together with the local enterprise partnership — have written to the secretary of state of health to request additional resources and measures to deal with Covid-19.

"The councils have worked together on a detailed document setting out what is necessary to bring the outbreak under control.

"It sets out the reasoning behind each measure, what is required from government, and what additional resources are required.

"The document sets out the case for more resources and measures over the next six months for testing, contact tracing, support for vulnerable people and care homes, support for businesses, work to inform and educate the public, enforcement, and support to maintain essential public services, such as waste collection and street cleaning whilst the infection rate is rising and staff are at greater risk."

However, Cllr Corcoran said the appeal to the Department for Health was an attempt 'to avoid the need for additional restrictions to be imposed on us' — something which his CWAC counterpart is necessary.

Cheshire West and Chester leader Cllr Louise Gittins said: "Last week we asked the Government to implement restrictions on household mixing in Cheshire West to try to protect public health and prevent further pressures being placed on the borough's health and social care providers.  

"We expect a decision this week, but we feel even stricter measures will need to be implemented in the future if cases continue to rise and this would be detrimental to residents' health and the local economy.

"Residents can play their part to make a difference and prevent transmission of the virus."

Residents are being asked to: Wash hands, cover your face when out, keep two metres away from others.

If you have symptoms get a COVID-19 test, call 119 or visit  nhs.uk/coronavirus. If you test positive then stay home for a fortnight.

Avoid unnecessary travel to other areas and to North Wales which has lockdown restrictions.