Two thousand tested in just three days across Leek and Cheddleton

Nearly 2,000 people across Leek and Cheddleton have been tested for Covid-19 in just three days as part of drive to manage a major Covid outbreak linked to schools.

Testing in schools, at community pop-ups and door-to-door continues today after the outbreak saw more than 120 people test positive, with the vast majority of these being the Delta Variant of Concern.

Pupils have been getting PCR tests, which if positive will be sent for genotyping to see if any more cases of the Delta variant are present.

Today (17 June) sees the start of door-to-door testing in the Leek West ward. Officers will be out dropping off tests and collecting completed packs at the end of the day. Anyone who misses the collection call can drop their completed test off at Brough Park Leisure Centre before 5pm on Friday 18 June.

Door-to-door testing will be also taking place in Cheddleton tomorrow.

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council said: “The turnout for testing has been fantastic so far, and our schools have done an outstanding job in getting as many of their students as possible tested this week.

“Testing as many people as possible will help us discover and isolate more cases of the virus, and stop any spread in the local community. The people of Leek and Cheddleton have responded really well to our call for testing, and my hope is that this will continue as our officers go door-to-door today and tomorrow.

“My thanks go out to all residents who have taken a PCR test in the last few weeks – you are really helping us stop this virus in its tracks.”