Surge coronavirus testing to get underway in Leek
It's because of rising cases of the Delta variant, first found in India
Last updated 11th Jun 2021
Surge testing of around 10,000 people will take place across Leek after more than 100 cases of Covid were recorded in the town.
Some additional testing will also take place in Cheddleton.
Testing of pupils in some schools will be taking place next week, as well as pop up testing at locations around the town and house-to-house testing of families in the area.
The testing comes after Covid cases have rocketed in the area, mostly among school age children.
So far, more than 60 of these have been identified as the Delta Variant of Concern, which is believed to be around 60 per cent more transmissible than the previous alpha variant of the virus.
Extra testing has already been carried out in the town over the past two weeks, but with cases still on the rise, more resources are being put in place to test as many people as possible.
There are no plans for any further restrictions in the area.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "Cases continue to rise in Leek and Cheddleton, and we want to continue to identify and isolate as many of them as possible. We want to stop the spread of the virus before it gets out of control, like we have seen in some other parts of the country.
"I would urge everyone in the area—if you are offered a PCR test, whether that’s in school or on your doorstep as part of our surge testing, please take it."
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "The rise in cases in particularly in Leek, but also now in Cheddleton is concerning, and the co-operation we have seen from schools and residents so far has been fantastic. It is clear the people of Leek are taking this outbreak seriously and are prepared to do what is needed to stop the spread of infection.
"If you are offered a test, please take it. Please also encourage your children to have a test in school. The more information we get about the spread of the variant, the more we can do to stop it in its tracks and get back to doing the things we enjoy."
Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Sybil Ralphs MBE said: "It is clear this variant is spreading in Leek and Cheddleton, but I’m confident that people will step up next week to take part in this testing. Our residents and businesses have been doing everything they can to stay open and keep people safe.
"We need to keep up this good work, get tested, and help stop the spread and, by working in partnership in this way, we’ll achieve our aims."