Around three-quarters of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Staffordshire are now coming from the new (UK) variant, Staffordshire County Council says.

Health bosses in Staffordshire have asked people to follow the rules and get tested regularly, saying the new strain is known to spread more easily and rapidly than other strains.

There were 3,216 weekly Coronavirus cases recorded in Staffordshire in the latest figures from 16 - 22 January. The county currently has a case rate of around 382 cases per 100,000 population.

Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "It was inevitable that the new, more transmissible strain of Covid-19 would make its way to Staffordshire, so it is even more important we do everything we can to stop the spread

"This means staying at home, washing hands, wearing a face covering if you do have to go out and about, and keeping your distance from others.

"We are also encouraging people who need to be out and about for work to get tested regularly at one of our community testing centres—it takes 45 minutes and means we can stop any spread in its tracks."

He added: "Lockdown is having an effect in Staffordshire, in that we are seeing a slow levelling off and even a slight reduction in cases. Coupled with an effective roll-out of the vaccine, there are many things to look forward to.

"Our residents and businesses have been fantastic so far, and their efforts are really making a difference. However, we are at a crucial stage in this pandemic and cannot afford to be complacent, especially with this new variant. We must keep going, keep following the rules, and get tested regularly to stop the spread and reduce cases."

People without symptoms who want to get a test can do so at one of 8 semi-permanent testing centres in Staffordshire, or at one of the pop-up testing sites.

For more information and to book a slot at a testing centre, click here.