Importance of Regular Testing Across Staffordshire Underlined

Health bosses in Staffordshire are highlighting the importance of following the rules and getting tested regularly.

Following the first case of the South African variant of Covid-19 being identified in Staffordshire, residents are being reminded of the importance of getting tested if they need to be out and about during lockdown, especially if they live in a hotspot area.

The council is also advising everyone who lives or works in the Stafford borough area to get tested in the next four weeks.

Staffordshire’s rapid testing programme has identified over 500 people without Covid symptoms since its roll-out began. People taken out of circulation through testing has prevented more than 1000 other cases.

 Dr Johnny McMahon Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said:

“With new more highly transmissible strains appearing, it is vital that we must all continue to be vigilant and not let any complacency set in.

“Those in the Stafford borough or a hotspot area should get tested regularly, as should anybody who is not able to stay at home for essential reasons.

“It might seem odd to get a test when you feel well, but the earlier we can find positive cases the quicker we get people into isolation to prevent the spread of this virus.

“This asymptomatic testing is important in our battle to control the virus, but we must also combine this with continuing to stick to the basic rules – staying home, wearing a face covering, washing hands, and keeping two metres distance.”

Staffordshire residents are now able to walk in to one of our community testing sites to get a rapid Covid-19 test.  Walk ins are subject to availability at each individual site – to secure a slot, booking on our community testing sites page is still recommended.

There will also be pop-up community testing sites at various locations supporting the above.

People with symptoms or those who have been asked to self-isolate as a close contact of a Covid case should not attend.

For further information about variant testing in Stafford borough, visit:  South African variant – Staffordshire County Council.

The Covid-19 community testing centres and hotspot areas are as below:

District / borough Community testing sites Hotspot areas
Cannock Chase Chase Leisure Centre, Stafford Road, Cannock, WS11 4AL

(Monday to Sunday)

Cannock East, Cannock North, Cannock West, Hagley, Hednesford Green Heath, Hednesford North, Hednesford South, Norton Canes, Rawnsley
East Staffordshire Hillfield House, Hillfield Lane, Burton-upon-Trent DE13 0BW

(Monday to Sunday)

Anglesey, Burton, Eton Park, Horninglow, Shobnall, Stapenhill, Stretton, Tutbury & Outwoods
Lichfield Burntwood Leisure Centre, High Street, Chasetown, Burntwood WS7 3XH

(Monday to Thursday)

Lichfield City FC, Brownsfield Road, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 6AY

(Friday to Sunday)

Alrewas & Fradley, Boney Hay & Central, Curborough, Fazeley, Longdon, Summerfield & All Saints
Newcastle-under-Lyme Seabridge Centre, Ash Way, Newcastle, ST5 3UB

(Monday to Sunday)

Victoria HallLiverpool Road, Kidsgrove, ST7 4EL

(Monday to Sunday)

Bradwell, Thistleberry
South Staffordshire Codsall Leisure Centre, Elliots Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton. WV8 1PG

(Monday to Sunday)

Bilbrook, Essington, Great Wyrley Town, Huntington and Hatherton, Perton East, Perton Lakeside, Wombourne South East, Wombourne South West
Stafford Kingston Centre, Fairway, Stafford, ST16 3TW

(Monday to Sunday)

 

None
Staffordshire Moorlands Brough Park Leisure Centre, Brough Park, Leek, ST13 6AT

(Sunday to Thursday)

Biddulph Leisure Centre, Thames Drive, Biddulph, ST8 7HL

(Tuesday to Saturday)

None
Tamworth Tamworth Campus, Croft Street, Tamworth, B79 8AE

(Monday to Friday)

Wilnecote Parish Hall, 40 Watling St, Two Gates, Wilnecote, Tamworth B77 5AD

(Saturday and Sunday)

Amington, Belgrave, Bolehall, Castle, Glascote, Stonydelph
Tony Walley
Tony Walley
News & Sport Editor

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