Posted on Monday 21st December 2020
People living in Covid community hotspots across Staffordshire are being urged to make time to get tested – even if they have no symptoms.
Despite everyone’s best efforts, the number of Covid cases in the county has increased for the second week in a row. The whole of Newcastle borough and all Burton upon Trent wards are now classed as hotspots.
The average seven-day Covid rate in Staffordshire is currently 225.9 per 100,000 population, higher than the West Midlands rate of 214.1, but lower than the England rate of 282.2.
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 Four 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 of 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.”
The council is also asking people who have returned from London and the South East to get tested. even if they don’t have symptoms.
The Covid-19 Hotspot Areas w/c 21 December are as below. These will remain in place for two weeks.
| District / borough | Hotspots | Community testing venue | Dates |
|---|
|
Cannock Chase
|
Cannock Town
|
Avon Business and Leisure Centre
Avon Road
Cannock
WS11 1LH
|
December 30 and 31
|
|
St Luke’s Church Centre
Church Street
Cannock
WS11 1DE
|
January 6 and 7
|
|
East Staffordshire
|
Burton (all town wards), Needwood and Rolleston
|
Pirelli Stadium, Pirelli Stadium Princess Way, Princess Way, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent
DE13 0AR
|
December 23, 24, 30 and 31
January 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12
|
|
Winshill Neighbourhood Resource Centre,
Canterbury Road,
Winshill,
Burton Upon Trent,
DE15 0HD
|
December 29
January 2
|
|
Lichfield
|
None
|
-
|
-
|
|
Newcastle
|
Whole borough
|
Bradwell Lodge Community Centre, Bradwell Lane, Porthill, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 8PS
|
December 23, 24, 29,30 and 31
January 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12
|
|
South Staffordshire
|
None
|
-
|
-
|
|
Stafford
|
Coton
|
Kingston Centre
Fairway
Stafford
ST16 3TW
|
December 23 and 24
January 4, 5 and 12
|
|
Staffordshire Moorlands
|
Werrington and Cellarhead
|
Werrington Village Hall
Ash Bank Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST2 9EE
|
December 29
January 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10
|
|
Tamworth
|
None
|
-
|
-
|
People in 'hotspot' areas should book a rapid covid test at one of our community sites.
If there are no community sessions planned people should book a test via the national portal https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and choose “my local council has asked me to book a test”. This is even if you feel well and don’t have any symptoms.
If you display any symptoms, including precautionary ones book as per normal on the national portal.
The Christmas relaxation period is now only for one day only, with no overnight stays permitted. For more information visit: Making a Christmas bubble.