Public health leaders are urging people in Staffordshire to help halt the recent rise in cases as the easing of some national restrictions came into effect yesterday (Monday 21 June).

Despite the removal of all Coronavirus restrictions, which was originally scheduled for 21st June, being postponed until 19th July, not everybody knows that some restrictions still eased yesterday despite the extension.

So what restrictions have eased?

Care home residents can now nominate an essential care giver to visit them, even if the resident is isolating.

Attendance limits at weddings, funerals and other commemorative events will now be based on how many people a Covid-secure venue can safely host with social distancing measures in place.

Step 4 of the Government's roadmap from lockdown and the lifting of all restrictions has been pushed back to at least 19 July due to concerns over the rise in cases nationally and the emergence of the Delta Variant of Concern.

Staffordshire's rate of infection remains below the national and West Midlands average, but the county has seen significant outbreaks in areas such as Leek and Newcastle-under-Lyme recently, and there have been more than 500 new cases in the last week.

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, Dr Johnny McMahon, urged residents to do all they can to reverse the recent rise in cases.

Johnny said: "Staffordshire people have worked extremely hard to keep case rates low, but recent local outbreaks show that this virus can spread extremely quickly through our communities when given the opportunity.

"We can't afford to let this happen and risk further delays in the easing of restrictions for people and businesses in the county, so I'm urging all residents to continue the hard work and keep following the rules and getting tested regularly.

"All adults are now eligible for their first dose of the vaccine, so if you are 18 and over, please book an appointment as soon as possible."

More information about coronavirus restrictions and getting tested in Staffordshire can be found at the county council's website.