CREWE'S Covid-19 testing centre will remain open over the holiday period as public health officials issued a Christmas safety message.

Cheshire East remains under tier two restrictions after the government's review announcement last Thursday (December 17).

Despite the impact of last month's second lockdown in reducing infection rates they are on the upward curve again over the past week.

So people are being urged to take care, particularly if they are planning to form a festive bubble with close family, the window for which was reduced from a five-day period (December 23 and 27) to just Christmas Day itself as part of the measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday (December 19).

Latest coronavirus figures show the numbers of those testing positive for Covid-19 in Cheshire East has risen and the rate per 100,000 of population has risen to 143.4.

But areas of Crewe have higher rolling rates of infection than other parts of the county, including neighbouring Nantwich, Sandbach and Congleton. The rolling rate (up to December 15) in Leighton and Crewe Town and Victoria Avenue was over 300 (315 and 305).

Originally, up to three households would have been allowed to mix for five days, but that is now down to one after the PM put London, the south-east and the east of England into new tier 4 restrictions as fears grow over the transmission of a new variant of coronavirus.

Health officials locally are encouraging people to be cautious throughout the festive period and to change their plans if they develop symptoms.

Appointments for Covid-19 tests can be made at the Crewe and Macclesfield test centres via the national Covid-19 online booking facility and both sites are open through the Christmas and New Year period.

Director of Public Health for Cheshire East Council Dr Matt Tyrer said: "Cheshire East is remaining in tier two following the recent government review of tiers, however worryingly our rates of infections are starting to rise, and we currently have 140 patients in local hospitals with Covid-19.

"The best way to avoid spreading the virus or spending Christmas or the new year in hospital is to celebrate the festive season sensibly and safely.

"It's important that we do not forget the importance of good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering where appropriate and keeping a distance from others, especially given that many of us will be enjoying seeing loved ones during the festive period."

The health chief has also issued a reminder about the importance of mental health, which has been negatively impacted for many during the pandemic, and he wants people to reach out to others using technology to compensate for not being able to meet up in person.

"We all must take care of our mental wellbeing during this time and check-in on those who may need our support," he said.

"Many people maybe feeling particularly low this Christmas due to difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic – such as losing a loved one, losing their job, financial concerns and feelings of loneliness and isolation.

"2020 has been the year that has taught us many ways to connect with others, such as a regular phone call, a video call or a socially distanced walk in the open air. Take time to remember those family members, friends or neighbours who may need your help."

The government's guidance on forming a Christmas bubble in tier two areas like Cheshire East is

- it should be composed of people from no more than two households (down from three).

- you should stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble.

- only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible.