The number of people who have died from Coronavirus in the Moorlands has increased by one this week, according to the latest update released earlier today by the Office for National Statistics.

It is the first Covid-19 death in the district for three weeks, according to the figures which are released weekly. The latest figures relate to the week ending Friday, October 9th.

The figures also show that this death took place in a hospital. The total number of people in the Moorlands who have now died from Coronavirus currently stands at 81.

Of the 81 Moorlands deaths, 58 have taken place in hospitals, 16 have occurred in care homes, three have occurred at home, with two at other communal establishments, one in a hospice, and one elsewhere.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Moorlands has now recorded a total of 795 cases as of yesterday (Monday).

This represents an increase of 266 Moorlands cases compared to the 529 cases recorded in Biddulph Nub News's last update two weeks ago.

In Staffordshire as a whole (excluding Stoke-on-Trent) there have been a total of 8,064 cases recorded since the start of the pandemic.

That is an increase of 2,368 compared to the total number of cases recorded two weeks ago.

The Moorlands, and indeed the whole of Staffordshire, is currently in tier one - or the "medium" tier - the lowest of the tiers in the three-tier system announced by the Prime Minister last week.

The restrictions and advice for areas of the country in tier one is as follows:

• 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.