Karen Bradley: In this week's column on Nub News, the Moorlands MP says the local outbreak of the Indian (Delta) Coronavirus variant shows that the virus is sadly still a threat.

As I am sure many of you are aware, last week saw an outbreak of positive Covid cases in Leek, identified in students and staff at some of our schools and also in a couple of hospitality venues.

I immediately spoke to both the SRO and the Clinical Lead for the local vaccination and testing programme and also with the schools involved to find out just what was happening and what I could do to help.

The most important thing is that we need everyone to be aware of this outbreak so that we can use isolation and testing to stop the chance of it spreading even further.

Additional PCR testing was immediately put in place and anyone who has been in contact with the schools or pubs involved as well as everyone who attends any school in Leek, and their households, is advised to get a PCR test as soon as possible.

A pop-up vaccination clinic is also open to everyone who lives or works in Leek who is 18 or over.

To find out more visit the county council website or ring their dedicated Covid helpline on 0300 111 8050.

Anyone who has been asked to isolate should do so and be really strict about contact during the isolation period.

We have an incredibly high vaccination rate both for first and second doses here in the Moorlands so should be able to fight this.

I have now had both jabs and would urge everyone to get one when called or if you are over 18 and living or working in Leek.

It takes a while for the jabs to be effective so please continue to be careful even after having both vaccinations.

Covid is sadly still a threat and we all need to remember to social distance and be careful and responsible.

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