The chief constable of Staffordshire Police, Gareth Morgan, has called on residents and businesses across Staffordshire to continue to play their part in the fight against coronavirus.

The call comes after a new three tier system of Covid-19 restrictions, which puts the county in the 'medium tier', was announced by the Prime Minister yesterday.

He said: "We know the majority of people in Staffordshire are doing their best to follow the regulations in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19, for which we would like to thank local communities.

"Our approach throughout has been to support the public in following the regulations by engaging, explaining and encouraging, and enforcing with a fine as last resort. That will continue, but where people are knowingly breaching the regulations there to protect us all and not listening to police officers, we will not hesitate to take stricter enforcement action and issue a fine.

The chief constable described this as a "pivotal" moment for the county and urged residents to follow the rules so additional measures are not needed like in neighbouring Cheshire.

He added: "As a police service, we recognise that the past few months have been challenging for people and will continue to be as winter approaches. However, the stakes have never been higher for the County and if people are caught flouting the rules and breaking the law we will act quickly to use enforcement to protect people.

"Police patrols will be stepped up across areas where people are not adhering to restrictions and fines will be issued if people ignore the rules."

"We recognise that policing cannot do this ourselves and we will be working closely with our partners and the community to secure a safer Staffordshire."

What does the 'medium tier' mean for Staffordshire?

Good hygiene and social distancing: Wash your hands regularly and keep your 2m distance

Meeting with friends and family: Limit your contact. If you do need to meet up, limit this to no more than six from multiple households. Residents should not visit households in areas with additional restrictions, such as Cheshire. There are exceptions, for example if your household or support bubble is larger than six.

Going to work: You should work at home if possible

Education: Schools, nurseries and universities are open

Leisure: Pubs, bars and restaurants must close at 10pm

Face coverings: Must be worn in shops and on public transport

Test and Trace: You must stay in and book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus if you have symptoms. If positive you must stay in for 10 days. Anybody who you have been in close contact with must self-isolate for 14 days.

Keep up to date with the latest news and how Covid-19 is affecting where you live or work at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.