More than 13,000 Stafford residents have been tested for the South African variant of Covid-19
Thousands have been tested which has also helped to drive case rates in Stafford down to the lowest level in six months
Pictured above is North End Community Centre in Stafford, a Covid-19 vaccination centre
Residents in Stafford are being thanked after turning out in their thousands to get tested for the South African variant of Covid-19.
More than 13,000 people have been tested in Stafford, Staffordshire over the past three weeks after one case of the Covid-19 South African variant was confirmed in the borough in early January.
No further cases of the South African variant have been found, which gives some reassurance that it has not spread.
An added benefit has been to identify and isolate more cases of the existing variants of the virus, which has helped to drive case rates in Stafford down to the lowest level in six months
Testing for this South African variant will finish on Friday, March 12.
However people should still get tested regularly if they have to leave home and can still book their tests via the testing website.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, said: “The response we have had to testing in Stafford has been fantastic, and I want to thank every resident of the borough who has responded to our call to get tested over the last three weeks.
“Now we want people to keep it up: getting tested regularly is a great way to control the spread of infection.”
Residents are encouraged to continue to book regular tests at their local testing centres, to keep Covid-19 levels low and stop the virus from spreading.
Richard continued: “Regular testing and vaccination, is the way out of this pandemic.
"It remains very important for people who need to be out and about to get tested regularly so that we can identify those who are infected and stop the virus in its tracks.
“With testing sites across the whole county, not just in Stafford borough, getting a test in Staffordshire has never been more convenient. Please, book your test today.”
Shine a spotlight on Stafford, Staffordshire by becoming an Area Ambassador. Click here to learn more!
