THERE is "a great opportunity" to "get on top" of Covid-19 in the coming months, according to Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran.

But Cllr Corcoran also expressed his concerns that "new variants" of coronavirus could emerge.

The Labour politician said on social media: "I would like to echo the words of national England medical director Prof Stephen Powis in recognising the enormous progress that has been made — but also to recognise for coronavirus to wreak more havoc and ill health on a significant scale.

"I share his concerns about the potential for new variants to emerge, but we do have a great opportunity now to get on top of the virus over this spring and summer when the weather will help to keep infection rates down."

His comments come in the week in which the official English 'stay at home' order was lifted, with residents encouraged to 'stay local' instead.

Other rules relaxations this week include social meet-ups of up to six people or two households outdoors and a resumption of outdoor sport.

Holidays abroad remain prohibited under the rules.

Currently, Cheshire East's rolling 7-day average infection rate is down to 46.9 cases per 100,000 people — a fall of 14.7 per cent compared to the previous week.