As we reach the end of the sixth week of the third national lockdown Staffordshire County Council is thanking residents and businesses for the efforts they have made to control the virus.

The number of cases of Covid has been coming down steadily but remains high, more than 250 new cases every week per 100,000 population, a little above the England average. Local hospitals are still caring for large numbers of Covid patients, and Staffordshire has just passed the sad milestone of 2000 Covid deaths.

The Council is asking people to continue their efforts to reduce the infections as the Covid vaccination is rolled out.

Dr Johnny McMahon Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "Our resident and businesses have made huge sacrifices to control the Covid virus. We know that most people are following most of the rules most of the time and we want to encourage them to continue their efforts.

"We have several more weeks of national lockdown ahead of us and even when it ends it is likely that the government will continue to impose some restrictions across the country to stop infections surging again.

"In the meantime it's really important that we continue to follow the rules. Stay at home and if you do have to be out get tested regularly. Community testing centres are available across the county and is especially important for people living in 'hotspot' areas.

"During this difficult time it's also really important that people take care of themselves and each other. You are allowed out for fresh air and exercise, which is essential for well-being. Give each other space and try and be kind."

The nearest testing centre is located at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre, and there are currently no hotspot areas in the Moorlands.

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

Staffordshire residents are now able to walk in to 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.

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