Moorlanders urged to keep going to curb Covid

Published on 15 June 2021

Moorlanders are being urged to keep up the good work for a few more weeks to help curb the rise in transmission of Covid cases locally.

The Government confirmed yesterday that it would delay further planned easing of restrictions for four weeks until 19 July following a rise in the number of cases across the country.

Over 100 people have tested positive in Leek and Cheddleton in recent weeks, with many of these cases confirmed as the Delta variant, following an outbreak linked to schools.

Surge testing is taking place this week to help manage the outbreak. An additional 10,000 tests have been made available and testing will take place both in schools and households with door-to-door deliveries planned for later this week.

Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "I know people and local businesses were very much looking forward to the further easing restrictions but the situation we're currently experiencing across the country with the rise in cases clearly shows that caution and patience continues to be required.

"The Delta variant of the virus has changed the picture - as we're currently experiencing in Leek and Cheddleton - so a few extra weeks will give us time to protect more people with vaccinations and to get on top of the rise in the Moorlands.

"We can all help with that and I would strongly urge people living or working in Leek and Cheddleton to take a PCR test and, if eligible, to take advantage of the offer of a vaccine at the pop-up clinic before it finishes tomorrow.

"The response from the local community so far has been fantastic and I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to the people in these areas who have responded so well to this latest challenge. Let's not give up now!"

Tests will be delivered to households in the most affected areas later this week and people without symptoms can also get tested at Brough Park Leisure Centre and Sainsbury's.

The pop-up vaccination clinic at Leek Moorlands Hospital is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is a Moorlands resident who works or lives in Leek or Cheddleton. Book online or by calling 01785 898884.

There's full information about testing and the vaccine clinic at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leektesting