Health officials in Staffordshire are issuing a plea for residents to remain patient and to keep following the rules as cases fall across the county.

However, the drop in cases also comes with the warning of the South African variant of Covid-19 being identified in Staffordshire.

With a coronavirus update from PM, Boris Johnson expected sometime on Monday, residents are being asked to remain vigilant and continue sticking to all the lockdown rules in place.

Dr Johnny McMahon Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "Cases continue to fall, which is positive news. However, we plead with Staffordshire residents to be patient.

"Everyone, included people who have had the first vaccination, should remain highly vigilant.

"As the weather begins to brighten don't be tempted to let your guard down, we have all worked hard and made sacrifices, but the risk is still very real. We must stick together, show resolve and not throw all our hard work away now.

"This means sticking to the rules and getting tested if you must leave the house, especially if you work or live in Stafford borough or a hotspot area.

"Of course, we are looking forward to some restrictions being eased but we must not underestimate how quickly things can change, especially with new strains of the virus being identified on our doorstep."

For the full list of testing centre locations and hotspot areas in Staffordshire, click here.

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

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.