People are being reminded to get tested if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus, after a spike in cases in Staffordshire.

As well regional testing centres at the BET 365 Staduim in Stoke and Beaconside, Stafford, there are number of local testing sites which are bookable through the national system. These are:

Newcastle Ryecroft Car Park

Keele University Science and Innovation Park

Cannock, Beecroft Road Car Park

Burton, Burton Town Hall

These can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

People are being urged to book a test if they experience symptoms of Covid-19, which are a new, continuous cough, fever, and loss of taste and smell.

Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "We have seen a steep rise in cases in the county, which reflects the national rise. This is why we're urging everyone who thinks they have symptoms of Covid-19 to get a test as soon as possible.

"We have worked with our partners in the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to offer more local testing to people who would otherwise be unable to book one, although the national testing does seem to be managing demand at the moment.

"We're urging as many people as possible with symptoms to get tested – testing helps us understand where coronavirus is most prevalent, and where we need to be putting in resources or introducing extra measures like we have previously done in Burton."

People who have been tested are also being advised that they must self-isolate while they are waiting for their test results.

Richard continued: "If you are awaiting a test result, you must self-isolate. We have seen instances of people continuing with their normal activities while waiting for a test result – this increases the chance of the virus being spread to others, and runs the risk of extra restrictions coming into force.

"We want to avoid this as much as possible, so we need people to take advantage of the testing that's on offer, and follow the rules to keep people safe."