After the first case of the South African variant was identified in Staffordshire and a plea to get tested went out, the amazing response by residents of Stafford Borough has been praised.
Within 24hrs more than 1,200 people stepped forward to book a test at the borough’s Community Testing Centre and pop-up community venues in the coming days.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: “We have had an amazing response to our appeal and I would like to thank the people of the borough for stepping forward to get tested. More than 1,200 people booked a test and we are increasing our testing capacity so we can test even more people and help stop the spread of infection.
“The testing drive will be running for the next four weeks, so people don’t need to get tested immediately. If you can’t book an appointment straight away don’t worry, as there will be plenty of opportunity to get tested over the coming weeks.”
The county council already offers community Covid testing for people across the county and has increased this in the Stafford borough area after a resident tested positive for the variant earlier this year.
Dr Richard Harling, the council’s Director of Health and Care, said: “We have taken a proactive approach to increase testing in Stafford borough to further help stop the spread of the virus. This is a timely reminder to everyone to continue to follow the rules, Stay at Home, and if you do have essential reasons to leave your home then get tested regularly.”
Stafford borough residents are being asked to book a test in advance at https://staffordshire.zipporah.co.uk/TrackAndTrace/
People with symptoms should book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
