New hotspots see residents urged to get Covid-19 test
THOUSANDS of people in two Staffordshire Moorlands villages are being urged to book a coronavirus test – after being declared ‘hotspots’.
Staffordshire County Council has confirmed that neighbouring Cellarhead and Werrington are the latest areas on the watch-list after a surge cases.
The infection rate there stood at 305.6 per 100,000 residents in the seven days to December 16 – among the highest in the Staffordshire Moorlands and across the whole of Staffordshire.
It means anyone living there should make time to get tested even if they have no symptoms.
The average seven-day Covid-19 rate in Staffordshire is 228.6 per 100,000 population – still above the national average.
Now community testing facilities have been set up at Werrington Village Hall in the run-up to the new year and beyond to try to cope with the demand for tests.
The rapid tests – where your result is known within 30-minutes – are being held on December 29 and January 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.
Meanwhile, Caverswall and Cheadle North East have both been taken off the list following a fortnightly review.
However, the whole of Newcastle borough remains an official ‘hotspot’ with a case rate of 223.3.
Tests are continuing at Bradwell Lodge Community Centre, on Bradwell Lane, Porthill, and on December 24, 29, 30, 31 and January 2 to 12.
And the council is also asking people who have returned from London and the South East to get tested.
Dr Johnny Mcmahon, cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing said: “Cases are continuing to rise in Staffordshire. This comes as many parts of England have been placed into tougher Tier 4 restrictions, largely due to the risk posed by a new fast-spreading coronavirus variant.
“These latest developments should come as a stark reminder on how dangerous this virus is, and that complacency cannot be allowed to creep over the festive period.
“Plans will have to be modified for many but it is important that we all think carefully about mixing with other households, remember and stick to the basic rules and get tested if living in a hotspot.”
People living or working in a ‘hotspot’ area – who do not have any coronavirus symptoms – should book one of the community tests. To book a test click here.
To book a test at one of the national test centres visit www.gov.uk/getcoronavirus-test.