| It was fantastic to see more than 30 community champions take part in the first online meeting we held on Tuesday 29 September. The meeting was extremely positive and provided us with valuable information, as well as an insight into how you are playing your part as a community champion, helping us shape the project moving forward.
Key points from the online event
- Champions mentioned issues with the COVID-19 app if you didn’t have the latest software on your mobile phone. Alison Lee from the Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership, who was on the Panel for the event, has raised this issue.
- Champions noted some people weren’t wearing face coverings correctly. Videos are being produced with guidance about wearing face coverings correctly for champions to share with their networks.
- The importance of having younger champions was mentioned. The Council is working with influencers and student representatives at local universities and colleges to share key messages with younger people, encouraging them to sign up to this project.
- Champions raised the point not all people have access to technology. A bank of resources is being created, including posters and graphics, for champions to share. Some resources are already available on the community champions section of the Council’s website.
- Champions asked about supporting businesses to challenge people who aren’t wearing face coverings. Council officers are visiting businesses to provide advice and guidance. If a business needs a visit, champions are asked to feed back to the Council.
- Champions reported that, during the pandemic, hospital appointments were cancelled and there is an appointment backlog. Doctors are currently reviewing the appointment lists and triaging who or what is a priority appointment and who can be seen on a video call. Statistics showing the current position will be produced and shared with champions.
We’ll be holding another online event very soon and we’ll keep you updated about the details.
Key messages to share with communities
Here are some key messages you can copy and paste to share with your networks, whether that is by email, social media or text messaging.
- In the seven days up to 26 September, there were 214 confirmed COVID-19 cases in west Cheshire. This compares to 136 cases in the previous week from 13 to 19 September. Positive COVID-19 cases increased rapidly in September and continue to rise weekly, leading to Cheshire West and Chester being added to the Government’s watchlist as an area of concern.
- Cheshire West and Chester Council has proposed additional restrictions on household mixing to tackle an increase in COVID-19 infections and protect public health. Full details about the proposal.
- From Monday 28 September, people are required to self-isolate by law if they test positive for COVID-19 or are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service. The Government has introduced a support scheme for people in work on low incomes to help them to self-isolate, which will be available until 31 January 2021. Residents may be able to claim a £500 lump sum payment if they can’t work from home and are required to self-isolate. This payment aims to help make up for any lost income people may face due to having to stay at home. Full details about eligibility for this scheme.
- Wash hands as often as you can, cover your face when out and about, and keep two metres away from others.
- Protect yourself by putting the NHS COVID-19 app on your phone.
- Got symptoms? Get a COVID-19 test by calling: 119 or visiting: nhs.uk/coronavirus.
- Tested positive? Stay home for a fortnight.
- Avoid unnecessary travel to other areas that have lockdown restrictions.
The Council posts regular information and advice on social media about COVID-19. Please follow the Council’s accounts and share any posts with your networks.
Encourage others to get involved
Please ask other people and organisations to become community champions as we want as many people as possible to join this network.
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