CHESHIRE East Council says it is ready to support local communities, businesses and vulnerable people during the latest national lockdown.
Council leaders say they recognise these new measures are needed in response to the rapid spread of Covid-19 - and are ready to step in with support.
And Matt Tyrer, the borough's director of public health, said: "We are now seeing infection rates in Cheshire East of more than 350 cases per 100,000 people in the latest seven days.
"This is a significant increase on the numbers we saw just a few days ago when we moved to tier 4 and is evidence that new restrictions are necessary."
Council leader Sam Corcoran, said: "It is very regrettable to have to go into a third national lockdown but it is clear that additional measures are needed to tackle the rise in new variant Covid-19 cases, protect vulnerable residents, prevent hospitals being overwhelmed and to save lives.
"I also welcome the removal of uncertainty around the opening of schools - which will now remain closed, except for vulnerable children and children of key workers.
"I would like to reassure our residents that we have been preparing for this lockdown and have had plans in place at every stage of the government's changes in restrictions - to ensure support for our vulnerable residents, communities and businesses. I can assure you we will do whatever it takes to get through this."
The government has announced a £4.6bn package of grants to help firms through the new lockdown. Firms in retail, hospitality and leisure will be eligible to get one-off grants of up to £9,000.
Cheshire East says it already has a database of those businesses, which had applied for grants previously, and they will receive the payments in due course.
Deputy council leader Craig Browne added: "We recognise that the next few weeks will be tough for everyone - the young, their parents, vulnerable people and our local businesses - and the council is there to help provide support.
"Our People Helping People service has been excellent and is in place with more than 3,900 volunteers signed up and we have 931 vulnerable residents registered for support."
All non-essential shops are now closed. Leisure centres will remain closed as will all libraries - except for click and collect and for limited support services. The council's household waste recycling centres will remain open.
Visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19 for more information about support, advice and guidance for businesses and individuals, including those who need financial help, or who need additional support because they are shielding.