"Keep up the hard work" is the message from Staffordshire County Council as infection rates fall and the second national lockdown comes to an end.

Latest coronavirus figures show case rates have fallen in all areas across the county and now stands at around 230 cases per 100,000 population per week. The seven-day rate for Staffordshire is closing the gap but does remain above the England and West Midlands averages.

The news comes as the month-long restrictions that came into force across England on 5th November come to an end.

However, Staffordshire has still gone into the Tier 3 'Very High' alert level, and while this comes with a loosening of some restrictions, many businesses still have to remain closed.

County council health chiefs say they are keen to ensure that this downward trend in case rates continues and have called for people not to let their foot of the pedal.

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "The fall in our infection rates is positive news, we need to keep this up and follow the Very High alert rules when they come into force on Wednesday.

"It is important we build on this recent momentum and put Staffordshire in a great position to get out of Tier 3.

"Tiering will be reviewed nationally by the Government on 16 December and if all the criteria are in a better position, then we could be in Tier 2 before Christmas.

"This gives us something very tangible to work towards but will require a focussed effort from us all as we enter the build-up to the festive period."