100 positive COVID cases now linked to schools in Leek
A fourth school has been added to the list
Last updated 10th Jun 2021
Nearly one hundred positive Covid-19 cases have now been linked to four schools in Leek.
A total of 44 of these cases have now been confirmed as the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC), with more cases expected to follow when genotyping has been completed.
The cases follow a push on testing in Leek after cases linked to Westwood College, Leek High School, St Edwards Middle School and most recently Westwood First School were identified to be the Delta variant.
Testing is continuing in the town all week at Newton House (Leek Britannia HQ) and JCB in Cheadle, in an effort to discover more cases and stop the spread of the virus. People wanting a test can visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leektesting for more information.
Vaccinations are also being offered to anyone over 18 who lives in Leek, or attends or works in any Leek school, in order to curb the spread. Appointments at the pop-up clinic can be booked online or by calling 01785 898844.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: “As expected we are seeing more cases of this variant appearing in Leek, which is why it is more important than ever for people to get tested and get vaccinated if there are eligible. We can’t drop our guard now.
“The key to stopping this virus in its tracks is identifying cases, and tracking and isolating any contacts. The Delta variant is 40% more transmissible than the Kent variant, which has been the dominant variant of Covid-19 in the country so far, so identifying cases early is crucial.”
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health said: “Local schools and the local community have been really supportive of the measures we are putting in place so far. It’s important that we keep going, keep getting tested and taking up the offer of a vaccine if we are to drive down cases in Leek.”
The situation emerging in Leek schools
The fourth school in Leek has been found to have cases linked to an outbreak of the Delta Covid-19 variant.
Westwood First School has recorded 5 positive coronavirus cases, two of which are strongly suspected to be a Variant of Concern, although this has not yet been confirmed.
These cases are now isolating, and their contacts have been traced and advised.
The total cases related to this outbreak stands at 85. 41 of these are suspected to be a Variant of Concern, with 24 of these so far being confirmed as the Delta variant.
The increase in cases has come after a testing push in the area, which has seen around 2,000 people get tested in the town. Testing is still taking place in Leek, including the former Leek Britannia HQ (Newton House).
Vaccinations are also now open to people who are 18+ and live in Leek, or attends or works in a Leek school. People can find out more about testing and vaccination on our website www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leektesting.
Dr Harling added: “The sharp increase in cases is testament to how many people have come out for testing in Leek over the last 5 days, but also is a stark reminder of how quickly this particular variant can spread. Total coronavirus cases in some areas of Leek are now the highest in the West Midlands region.
“We’re doing everything we can to stop the spread of this variant in the community, and have so far seen an excellent response to our call for people to get tested. I would urge anyone in Leek who hasn’t already had a PCR test to get one as soon as possible, as this will help us determine what strain we are dealing with, and allows us to take enhanced steps to stop the spread."
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