Staffordshire in lockdown: Just four weeks to reduce rates
People in Staffordshire are being warned that lockdown may continue beyond the end of November for the county if the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Covid-19 cases have soared in the last few weeks in the region, with leaders warning locals they have four weeks to to drive the numbers back down – or face a bleak December.
It comes as the second national lockdown came into force yesterday.
Despite previously being bustling earlier this week, the high streets and shopping centres in Stafford and Cannock were quiet after Government officials urged everyone to stay at home.
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The county has continued to see cases soar in recent weeks – and almost double the national rate in some areas.
The seven-day rate for Staffordshire is now above both the national and West Midlands rate at 344.7 per 100,000 population, with some areas of the county seeing a rate of more than 400 cases per 100,000 population.
Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “If the number of cases in the county remains high then the government is likely to continue to impose restrictions in Staffordshire that will go beyond four weeks.
"This will affect the lives and livelihoods of more families and put businesses and jobs at risk.
“We need people to do everything they can to reduce the spread of the virus. It is going to be a difficult time, and we all need to pull together and show that Staffordshire can, and will, turn this situation around.”
Dr Richard Harling, the county’s director of health and care, added: "Despite everyone’s best efforts, the numbers are continuing to rise at an alarming rate.
"While nobody wants to see much wider restrictions imposed once again, following the new rules is our best chance to bring the number of cases down, help the NHS and get these restrictions lifted as soon as possible."
