Staffordshire residents urged to get tested twice a week
People are being urged to get tested for Covid-19 twice a week as more lockdown restrictions are lifted.
The plea has been made by Staffordshire County Council, which has also asked residents to take their vaccine when offered and stick to other guidelines.
From Monday, people will be able to meet indoors in groups of six or two households.
Pubs and cafes will be able to serve indoors and care home residents can see up to five visitors.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director for health and care, said: "While this is a huge and welcome boost for our wellbeing and our local economy, Covid is still very much out there as the spike in new variants in parts of the country is showing.
"So please, as we gain more freedom back, enjoy this safely and do everything you can to minimise the risk from Covid to yourself, your family and your friends."
Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, added: "It is a day we have all been looking forward to and it is really fantastic to seen more of Staffordshire open once again.
"As a county council, we are determined to do everything we can to help the county bounce back, investing in the economy and creating more jobs and opportunities as we emerge from this pandemic.
"We have come along way to reach this milestone today and it is important that we all continue to play our part in making each step of lifting the lockdown work."
Residents can find more information on testing options available to them at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/testing.
Anybody with symptoms should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
