Local spikes in coronavirus infection have been identified for this week in order to focus efforts on 'hotspot' areas.

In these 'hotspot' areas people are being asked to get tested even if they feel well and don't have any symptoms. This is the latest part of Staffordshire County Council's strategy to get out of Tier 3 restrictions in the New Year.

The council says the case rate in Staffordshire is falling and now stands at around 185 cases per 100,000 population per week, less than a half it was a month ago, although still above rate the England and West Midlands averages.

This focus on non-symptomatic testing in 'hotspot' areas is happening at the same time as the roll out of rapid Covid-testing across Staffordshire.

The new lateral flow testing gives a result in just half an hour and should be available in large quantities, sufficient to test up to 10 per cent of the population every week.

The strategy of non-symptomatic testing aims to find and isolate cases who are well in themselves but who can spread the infection to others.

Staffordshire's hotspot areas for this week have been identified as:

- East Staffordshire – Anglesey, Eton Park, Horninglow and Shobnall

- Newcastle – Audley, Bradwell, Crackley & Red Street, Cross Heath, Holditch & Chesterton, Kidsgrove & Ravenscliffe, Knutton, May Bank, Silverdale, Talke & Butt Lane, Town and Wolstanton

- South Staffordshire - Perton (Perton East, Perton Dippons, Perton Lakeside) and Codsall North

- Stafford – Forebridge

- Staffordshire Moorlands - Caverswall, Cheadle North East and Werrington

- Tamworth – Amington and Glascote

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "It is good news that Staffordshire cases are continuing to fall and that rapid testing will be available.

"We know that a vaccine is being rolled out from this week, and while this is more good news it is important to remember that it will take several months to vaccinate people, protect the vulnerable and stop the spread of the virus.

"We are entering the colder months at the heart of Winter, so it is even more important that we continue to follow the rules of washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance.

"Plus, from this week people who live or work in one of the identified hotspot areas, we are asking you to get tested even if you feel well and are not displaying any symptoms."

Anyone living or working at one of the hotspot areas can book a rapid test at a community testing site, with the results being provided in around 30 minutes.

More details can be found on the council's website here. Anyone with symptoms should instead book a test via the national NHS portal.

The council says it will be releasing the latest hotspot areas each week from now on.