Staffordshire is to follow Stoke-on-Trent into stricter Tier 2 coronavirus control measures 'by the end of the week'.

Official papers seen by the Local Democracy Service reveal the county's alert level will go from medium (Tier 1) to high (Tier 2) as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise rapidly.

The news comes just days after the neighbouring Potteries was placed into Tier 2 as fears mount that the city could be upgraded to Tier 3 'very high' alert.

Staffordshire County Council had lobbied the Government to remain in Tier 1 last week but the soaring infection rate across all areas appears to have prompted a rethink.

The change will mean families across Biddulph, Leek, Cheadle, Newcastle, Stone, Kidsgrove, Stafford and the rest of the county will no longer be able to mix with other households indoors.

Latest Public Health England figures show there have now been 10,768 cases since the start of the pandemic in the county with an additional 434 announced today (October 27th).

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council's director of health and care, said: "The virus is spreading in Staffordshire largely through social contact, so this extra guidance on mixing indoors will hopefully help reduce the rate of infection.

"By sticking to the Covid High Alert rules, we have the best chance of not only curbing the spread of infection, but also of having these extra measures removed as quickly as possible."

The seven-day case rate up to Saturday (October 24th) revealed that Staffordshire's infection rate was 239 per 100,000 people – above the national average of 213 per 100,000.

South Staffordshire had the highest rate in the county as of Saturday, with 349 cases per 100,000 people, while Cannock Chase and Newcastle Borough had the second and third highest rates – 290 and 263 per 100,000 people respectively.

Stafford Borough and Staffordshire Moorlands each had a rate of 202 cases per 100,000 people. Stoke on Trent's rate as of Saturday was 272 cases per 100,000 people.

Council leader Alan White said today: "Our residents and businesses have made huge efforts to keep our county safe and open, but despite this, cases continue to rise rapidly and we are now facing tighter restrictions.

"This year, Staffordshire has showed what it does best – pulling together and supporting our communities, but now we need to redouble our efforts to avoid any further restrictions and protect our county.

"We can, and we must rise, to this new challenge, but is down to each and every one of us to stick to the new rules when they do come into force to help keep Staffordshire safe and open for business."

Here is the seven day case rate per 100,000 people as of October 24th according to Staffordshire County Council's presentation:

• England: 213

• West Midlands: 212

• Staffordshire: 239

• Stoke on Trent: 272

• South Staffordshire: 349

• Cannock Chase: 290

• Newcastle Borough: 263

• East Staffordshire: 209

• Stafford Borough: 202

• Staffordshire Moorlands: 202

• Lichfield District: 196

• Tamworth Borough: 189