Health chiefs call for Covid effort to continue as cases fall

Staffordshire’s health chiefs have encouraged residents and businesses to continue their efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.

The seven-day period to 22 July saw the number of Covid cases in the county fall by over 400 to 3,815, the first weekly drop in cases since the end of May. However, the number of people being tested also fell and this may explain some of the reduction in cases.

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director for Health and Care, is “cautiously optimistic” about the latest figures but says there can be no relaxation around personal responsibility, testing and vaccination.

He said: “Cases appear to be falling, which suggests that things could be moving in the right direction. However, it’s too early to be sure. There are still a lot of people being infected and hospitalisations are rising, albeit slowly. It remains as important as ever that everyone in Staffordshire continues taking sensible precautions to bring cases down.”

Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, added: “Thank you to everyone who is taking personal responsibility and doing the right thing for themselves, their family and friends, and their community. Please continue your efforts to limit the spread of the virus. Remember ‘Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air’, keep testing, and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

“Maintain a degree of social distancing and, if you are meeting friends and family, meet outside rather than indoors where possible. Face coverings are important on public transport and in crowded places, and it is worth carrying a face covering with you as some businesses may require you to wear one.

“Get tested regularly, ideally twice a week, using lateral flow device kits that are easy to get hold of and quick to do. Take a PCR test if you display any symptoms of Covid.

“Everyone aged 18 and over should get both doses of the vaccine as quickly as possible. Every single vaccination makes our communities that little bit safer.”

Vaccinations can be booked via the NHS national booking system or by calling 119. Information about vaccination walk-ins in Staffordshire can be found here.