Popular family destinations, supermarkets and other outdoor locations will host pop-up coronavirus testing centres in the coming weeks as part of the council's latest push to encourage people to get tested regularly.

As we enter the second week of relaxed restrictions across England, Staffordshire County Council are continuing to urge people to get tested twice a week, even if they have no symptoms and to make it part of a regular weekly routine.

To help make getting tested even easier, the council is now moving many of its indoor pop-up testing sites to outdoor venues - especially popular spots with existing footfall.

Chasewater Country Park, Cannock Chase Visitor Centre and a local car boot were some of the new outdoor venues to host pop-up testing over the weekend. This week Tutbury Castle, alongside various supermarkets and other outdoor locations will see rapid testing available for the first time.

Director for health and care at the county council, Dr Richard Harling, said: "With more retail, leisure and hospitality reopened, people are meeting outdoors again – which is great news and what we have all worked hard to achieve.

"However, with the relaxation of the rules comes the increased risk of people spreading the virus without knowing it, as we know 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 have no symptoms.

"So, making regular testing a part of people's weekly routine will play a huge part in making sure we continue to navigate our way out of lockdown in a safe manner.

"The move to setting up outdoors where people already visit makes it even more convenient - people can get a supervised test whilst they are out doing their shopping or enjoying the fresh air and warmer weather.

"You get your results in under 30 minutes and can then enjoy the rest of your day with the peace of mind you are not putting yourself, friends or family in potential danger.

"Getting tested twice a week, following the rules of Hand, Face, Space, Fresh Air and getting your vaccination when offered are the best ways to protect each other."

As well as getting a supervised test at the new outdoor pop-ups, kits can be collected at all our community sites, pharmacies and ordered online for home use.

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