Leader's and Deputy Leader's Announcements
To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader and Deputy Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council, in summary:
· stated that the Covid-19 infection rate in Cheshire East had fallen sharply in the last month and was now 17 per 100,000 and that, as at 13 April 2021, 2/3 of the eligible population of Cheshire East had received their first dose of the vaccine and more than 95% of residents of over 70 had taken up the offer of a covid vaccination.
· was shocked to read that 52% of people do not self-isolate when required to do so. The Cheshire East Contact Tracing Team was adopting a welfare case management role and provide guidance and hardship support.
· reported that some lockdown restrictions had been eased with meeting outdoors allowed in groups of up to six from two households, but there was still a ban on social mixing indoors.
· reported that a letter had been sent by the political group leaders to Cheshire MPs asking them to lobby the Government for an extension to the legislation which allows meeting to be held virtually.
· reminded all it was still valid and important to continue with basic Covid-19 precautions.
The Deputy Leader, in summary:
· reported that the Council was launching a campaign ‘Say Hi to the High Street’ to encourage residents to support local shops and shop safely.
· reported that Leisure Centres across the Borough had reopened with the expectation of Congleton Leisure Centre and Nantwich Brine Pool and the Everybody Leisure Trust had started outdoor fitness classes.
· provided an update on business grants. He stated that the Council was continuing to invite applications for the new restart grant, which supported eligible non-essential retail businesses and hospitality accommodation, leisure, personal care and gyms with one-off grants to help them re-open safely.
· welcomed the opening of the Congleton Link Road and that a naming ceremony would be held later in the year.