Posted on Monday 7th December 2020
Council bosses are identifying local spikes in coronavirus infection to help focus efforts to control the spread of the virus.
In these community ‘hotspot’ areas people are being asked to get tested even if they feel well and don’t have any symptoms. This is the latest part of the Council’s strategy to get case rates down and get out of Tier 3 and the toughest restrictions in the New Year.
The case rate in Staffordshire is falling and now stands at around 185 cases per 100,000 population per week, less than a half it was a month ago although still above rate the England and West Midlands averages.
This focus on non-symptomatic testing in ‘hotspot’ areas is happening at the same time as the roll out of rapid Covid-testing across Staffordshire. The new lateral flow testing gives a result in just half an hour and should be available in large quantities, sufficient to test up to 10 per cent of the population every week. Non-symptomatic testing helps to find and isolate cases who are well in themselves but who can spread the infection to others.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said:
“It is good news that Staffordshire cases are continuing to fall and that rapid testing will be available.
“We know that a vaccine is being rolled out from this week, and while this is more good news it is important to remember that it will take several months to vaccinate people, protect the vulnerable and stop the spread of the virus.
“We are entering the colder months at the heart of Winter, so it is even more important that we continue to follow the rules of washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance.
“Plus, from this week people who live or work in one of the identified hotspot areas, we are asking you to get tested even if you feel well and are not displaying any symptoms.”
If you live or work in one of the below 'hotspot' areas below book a rapid Covid test at one of our community sites and will get your result in around 30 minutes. If there are no community sessions planned people should book a test via the national portal www.nhs.uk/coronavirus 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.
Covid-19 Hotspot Areas w/c 7 December:
- East Staffordshire – Anglesey, Eton Park, Horninglow and Shobnall
- Newcastle – Audley, Bradwell, Crackley & Red Street, Cross Heath, Holditch & Chesterton, Kidsgrove & Ravenscliffe, Knutton, May Bank, Silverdale, Talke & Butt Lane, Town and Wolstanton
- South Staffordshire - Perton (Perton East, Perton Dippons, Perton Lakeside) and Codsall North
- Stafford – Forebridge
- Staffordshire Moorlands - Caverswall, Cheadle North East and Werrington
- Tamworth – Amington and Glascote
Anyone with symptoms should continue to book a test as normal on the above link. People who have been in close contact with anybody displaying symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days, even if they feel well or test negative for the virus.
Whichever testing route is taken people need to self-isolate for 10 days if they test positive.
The council will announce new community ‘hotspot’ areas along with any new advice weekly. Please check in on www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for regular updates.