Warning over ‘Euros effect’ as areas of county see a spike in coronavirus cases
Seventeenneighbourhoods in North Staffordshire have seen cases of coronavirus surge in recent days due to the ‘Euros effect.’
Stoke-on-trent has a sevenday rate of 354.2 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to July 5.
And within the city boundaries, there are now 12 areas with an infection rate of more than 400 per 100,000 residents.
There are five further neighbourhoods across North Staffordshire – two in Newcastle borough and three in the Staffordshire Moorlands – which are also in the red category.
Overall, Staffordshire’s infection rate is 298.6 per 100,000 over the same time frame with Tamworth one of the worst hotspots in the whole country.
Nationally, there are higher numbers of covid infections in men compared to women aged 20 to 29 suggesting a “Euros effect” was playing out.
And it was feared that Sunday’s Euro 2020 final could lead to a further surge in infections as pub patrons mixed in close quarters and then took coronavirus back into their communities.
Dr Johnny Mcmahon urged fans to get tested before and after the match.
Dr Mcmahon, Staffordshire’s cabinet support member for public health and integrated care, said: “While the England players are doing their bit on the pitch, the fans can do their bit for Staffordshire off it. This means enjoying the day but enjoying it safely and responsibly.
“With remaining restrictions due to lift from the July 19, it’s really important we all work together to keep case rates down to allow as many people to get vaccinated as possible.
“Please follow all the guidance around gathering limits and social distancing.
“This will help reduce any spike in cases.”
17 red hotspot areas in North Staffordshire
Dresden – 648.9 per 100,000 with 37 cases over seven days (up 362.5 per cent)
Hanley and Etruria – 625.8 per 100,000 with 53 cases over seven days (up 43.2 per cent)
Hollybush and Blurton North – 615 per 100,000 with 37 cases over seven days (up 208.3 per cent)
Smallthorne and Sneyd Green – 606.8 per 100,000 with 50 cases over seven days (up 138.1 per cent)
Baddeley Green and Milton – 595.9 per 100,000 with 57 cases over seven days (up 159.1 per cent)
Talke and Crackley – 591.7 per 100,000 with 41 cases over seven days (up 412.5 per cent)
Birches Head – 589.7 per 100,000 with 34 cases over seven days (up 61.9 per cent)
Endon and Brown Edge – 554.9 per 100,000 with 36 cases over seven days (up 300 per cent)
Newstead and Blurton South – 526.6 per 100,000 with 42 cases over seven days (up 147.1 per cent)
Cheadle South and Tean – 482.3 per 100,000 with 42 cases over seven days (up 281.8 per cent)
Little Chell and Stanfield – 475.6 per 100,000 with 44 cases over seven days (up 144.4 per cent)
Cobridge and Central Forest – 470.4 per 100,000 with 33 cases over seven days (up 6.5 per cent)
Abbey Hulton – 467.5 per 100,000 with 34 cases over seven days (up 3 per cent)
Chesterton and Knutton – 426.6 per 100,000 with 34 cases over seven days (up 325 per cent)
Bradeley and Chell Heath – 420.5 per 100,000 with 31 cases over seven days (up 106.7 per cent)
Cheadle North, Alton and Kingsley – 411.3 per 100,000 with 27 cases over seven days (up 237.5 per cent)
Basford and Hartshill – 400.3 per 100,000 with37 cases