Major incident stood down in Staffordshire as Covid cases fall
But health bosses are warning the pandemic is not over
A major incident that was declared when coronavirus numbers were at their highest in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, has been stood down.
It means there has been good progress in reducing the number of Covid-19 cases, and the amount of people in hospital, as well as the roll out of vaccines in the UK.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Prepared said: "This does not mean that the pandemic or the threat from the virus is over however it does reflect the good progress that has been made in reducing the number of cases and hospitalisations, and with the roll out of the vaccination programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
"The virus continues to circulate and we remain in national lockdown. People must continue to follow the rules to prevent a resurgence of infections and allow restrictions to be released. Please remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air and get tested regularly. "
Dr Richard Harling, the Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council chairs the Strategic Coordinating Group, which oversees the multi-agency response said: "This does not mean anyone can afford to let their guard down. COVID-19 is still a real danger and we must do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus so that we can make further progress on the Roadmap out of lockdown.
"Declaring a Major Incident was a way of making sure all public sector agencies and our partners were co-ordinating their actions, sharing resources where necessary, and anticipating and dealing with challenges effectively.
"With the current situation we are now able to release some people who were seconded from their principal duties back to their day jobs as we move towards restoration and recovery.
"As a multi-agency partnership we will continue to work extremely closely and the Strategic Coordinating Group that has led the local response will continue to meet on a regular basis."