People needing a Covid-19 test over the festive period will still be able to book an appointment.

NHS local, drive-through and mobile testing units in Staffordshire will be open over Christmas and New Year, with slightly reduced hours on bank holidays.

Booking is via the NHS Portal here.

Testing is for people with Covid-19 symptoms, but may also be used by people living in 'hotspot' areas in Staffordshire who have no symptoms, but have been asked to get a test by the county council.

Local testing sites and drive-through sites will be open from 9am to 3pm on bank holidays, and 8am till 8pm on all other days.

Mobile testing units will be open 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and 10am to 3pm on Boxing Day. The sites will operate 8am till 8pm on all other days.

Mobile testing units will be in the following locations over the festive period:

- 24 December: Lichfield WS13 6QG and JCB Cheadle, ST10 2JU

- 25 – 27 December: JCB Tunstall, Genesis Centre ST6 4PY and JCB Cheadle, ST10 2JU

- 28 – 29 December: Lichfield WS13 6QG and Leek Britannia HQ (Newton House) ST3 5RL

- 30 December: Tamworth Sir Robert Peel B78 3NG and Leek Britannia HQ (Newton House) ST3 5RL

- 31 December: Tamworth Sir Robert Peel B78 3NG and JCB Cheadle, ST10 2JU

- 1 January: JCB Tunstall, Genesis Centre ST6 4PY and JCB Cheadle, ST10 2JU

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said: "Cases are continuing to rise across the county, and we need to do everything we can to help stop the spread. This includes getting a test if people are experiencing coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, cough and loss of taste and/or smell. We're also encouraging people who live in one of our hotspot areas to get a test, whether they are experiencing symptoms or not.

"We can't afford to be complacent, especially over the festive period, so I would encourage people to think stick to the rules, and get tested if they are experiencing symptoms or living in a hotspot area."

The latest hotspot areas can be found here.