Major incident level is reduced for Covid help

MULTI-AGENCY partners across Staffordshire have agreed to stand down the Major Incident that was declared to help co-ordinate the response to coronavirus.

This does not mean that the pandemic or the threat from the virus is over. However, it does reflect the good progress that has been made in reducing the number of cases and hospitalisations, and with the rollout of the vaccination programme in Staffordshire.

The virus continues to circulate and we remain in national lockdown. People must continue to follow the rules to prevent a resurgence of infections and allow restrictions to be released. Please remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air and get tested regularly.

Dr Richard Harling, the director for health and care at Staffordshire County Council who chairs the strategic coordinating group, which oversees the multiagency response said: “This does not mean anyone can afford to let their guard down.

“Covid is still a real danger and we must do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus so that we can make further progress on the road map out of lockdown.

“Declaring a Major Incident was a way of making sure all public sector agencies and our partners were co-ordinating their actions, sharing resources where necessary, and anticipating and dealing with challenges effectively.

“With the current situation we are now able to release some people who were seconded from their principal duties back to their day jobs as we move towards restoration and recovery.

“As a multi-agency partnership we will continue to work extremely closely and the Strategic Coordinating Group that has led the local response will continue to meet on a regular basis.”

The Major Incident was declared by Staffordshire Resilience Forum (SRF). The SRF consists of the blue-light emergency services, all local NHS organisations, 10 local authorities and local representatives from a number of national agencies.