Posted on Friday 9th July 2021
Extra testing is being brought into Tamworth as Covid rates continue to soar in the area.
Covid rates in Tamworth currently stand at more than 800 cases per 100,000 people per week, higher than at any point in the pandemic and the highest in England.
Extra PCR testing for people with or without symptoms is being put on at the Sir Robert Peel Hospital on Friday, Saturday, Sunday to seek out more cases and stop the spread of the virus.
Testing will take place from 9am until 3pm on all three days, and is bookable via the government portal: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Testing is also available at Spinning School Lane Car Park, again bookable through the government website.
People without symptoms should tick the ‘my local council has asked me to get a test’ box when prompted.
The surge in cases is primarily amongst young adults and teenagers, with clusters of cases linked to pubs and the Euro 2020 matches.
People are being asked to do everything they can to keep cases down by following the ongoing rules and guidance, getting tested regularly, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Covid cases in Tamworth are very high. Cases are mainly mild and in younger people, but we are concerned that they could spread to the older population who are more vulnerable to complications. It is important that we try and curb the spread of infection. This means following the rules that remain in place until 19 July, and sticking to the guidelines of hands, face, space and fresh air. Even beyond 19 July, people need to take personal responsibility and take sensible precautions to minimise the spread of infection.
“The vaccination programme has been an incredible success and is the reason why we are not seeing lots of hospitalisations and deaths. We still have some way to go to vaccination all adults so for anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet please do come forward for your jab as soon as you can. As well as protecting you and your family is may also give you greater freedoms after 19 July.”
Cllr Jeremy Oates, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said:
“While it’s good news that this isn’t translating into overwhelming hospital admissions, there are increasing numbers of Tamworth residents finding themselves in hospital and many people’s lives are being impacted across the town by this spike in one way or another.
“We need to focus on getting these case rates down as soon as possible. We appreciate this is going to be difficult as we’re experiencing this increase at the same time as the country is moving towards a relaxation of restrictions and people understandably want to get back to normality.
“The key actions we can take are to get a vaccine – there are walk-in appointments available at Whitemoor Lakes this weekend and appointments to book via the NHS system at Tamworth Baptist Church – and get a test.
“I would urge people to take advantage of the additional testing at Sir Robert Peel over the next three days and help us stop this spread as quickly as we can.”
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