People living in Covid community hotspots across Staffordshire are being urged to make time to get tested – even if they have no symptoms.

The number of Covid cases in the county has increased for the second week in a row, with Staffordshire County Council now publishing a regular list of local Coronavirus 'hotspots'. 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 for the week commencing 21 December are as below. These will remain in place for two weeks.

- Cannock Chase: Cannock Town

- East Staffordshire: Burton (all town wards), Needwood and Rolleston

- Lichfield: None

- Newcastle: Whole borough

- South Staffordshire: None

- Stafford: Coton

- Staffordshire Moorlands: Werrington and Cellarhead

- Tamworth: None

People in 'hotspot' areas should book a rapid Covid test at one of the community testing sites. Details of sessions this week and how to book can be found here.

If there are no community sessions planned people should book a test via the national portal 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.