NEW CORONAVIRUS HOTSPOTS NAMED

TWO new coronavirus hotspots have been identified across Newcastle – as the borough is named as one of 69 local authority areas where cases are rising. Latest figures show the borough has a seven-day infection rate of 124 cases per 100,000 population which is above both the Staffordshire and England average. Cases have increased from 137 to 139 over the course of a week. Now Cross Heath and Knutton have been named as new hotspot areas.

Lateral flow tests – where the results are provided within 30 minutes – are available at the Seabridge Centre, in Ash Way, Seabridge, and at the Victoria Hall, in Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove, every day. Dr Johnny Mcmahon, pictured, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, said: “The latest virus data shows how quickly things can change – not all areas of the county are showing cases falling and we are still midway through screening for the South African strain.

“The current lockdown rules are still in place. Please stick to them, get tested regularly and take the vaccination when it is offered.

“This cautious approach will lead us slowly – and most important of all – safely back to the normality we all crave.”

The council has also named Eccleshall, Caverswall and Checkley as hotspot areas.

In the Staffordshire Moorlands, lateral flow tests are available at Brough Park Leisure Centre, in Leek, Sunday to Thursday; and at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre, from Tuesday to Saturday.

In Stafford borough, tests are available at Stone Leisure Centre and Eccleshall Community Centre every day.

‘Money doesn’t come for free’ is the old adage we’ve heard a million times before, but at Inyourarea this may no longer be the case with our new free daily scratch card!

It’s super-easy to play and works very much the same as a traditional scratch card — but online — and is 100% free to play. Prizes start as a £20 Amazon voucher, and rolls over if there is no winner until it reaches a maximum value of £500.