Health bosses in Staffordshire are highlighting the importance of following the rules and getting tested regularly. following the first case of the South African variant of Covid-19 being identified in Staffordshire.

Residents are being reminded of the importance of getting tested if they need to be out and about during lockdown, especially if they live in a hotspot area.

The county council is also advising everyone who lives or works in the Stafford borough area in particular to get tested in the next four weeks.

Staffordshire's rapid testing programme has identified over 500 people without Covid symptoms since its roll-out began, and the council says that people taken out of circulation through testing has prevented more than 1000 other cases.

Dr Johnny McMahon Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "With new more highly transmissible strains appearing, it is vital that we must all continue to be vigilant and not let any complacency set in.

"Those in the Stafford borough or a hotspot area should get tested regularly, as should anybody who is not able to stay at home for essential reasons.

"It might seem odd to get a test when you feel well, but the earlier we can find positive cases the quicker we get people into isolation to prevent the spread of this virus.

"This asymptomatic testing is important in our battle to control the virus, but we must also combine this with continuing to stick to the basic rules – staying home, wearing a face covering, washing hands, and keeping two metres distance."

The nearest testing centre to Biddulph is at Biddulph Leisure Centre on Thames Drive, and another testing centre is also located at Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek. There are currently no Covid hotspot areas identified in the Moorlands.

For the full list of all the testing centres and hotspot areas in Staffordshire, click here.

Staffordshire residents are now able to walk in to one of the community testing sites to get a rapid Covid-19 test. Walk-ins are subject to availability at each individual site - to secure a slot, booking in advance is still recommended.

There will also be pop-up community testing sites at various locations.

People with symptoms or those who have been asked to self-isolate as a close contact of a Covid case should not attend.