Posted on Monday 28th June 2021
Staffordshire County Council is asking football fans to keep following social distancing and hygiene guidelines and to get a test if heading out to enjoy tomorrow’s England Euro 2020 last-16 tie with Germany.
As the England team prepare for old rivals Germany and attempt to make it through to the tournament Quarter-Finals, the Council is reminding fans of the need to remain vigilant. Covid case rates continue to rise across the county and in some areas, like Tamworth the seven-day rate is nearly double the national average.
There have been recent outbreaks linked to public houses during previous England matches and the Council is pleading with people to take a lateral flow test ahead of the teatime kick-off and enjoy the game safely.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“There is a concern that during the euphoria of cheering on England at a major tournament like the Euros, especially during the knockout phase against one of our oldest adversaries, this can lead to people forgetting the basics of hands, face, space and fresh air.
“We simply cannot afford to let this happen. There is a real danger temporary lapses will lead to new surges of transmission which could potentially jeopardise the lifting of restrictions which we all hope is just a short touching distance away.
“Enjoy the match, keep your distance, wash your hands, get a test ahead of kick-off and hopefully we can see England progress further into the competition without undoing all our recent good work.”
There will be additinal testing for the Tamworth area - a mobile unit will be at the Sir Robert Peel hospital from tomorrow, 9am-5pm for the next 7 days.
It’s asymptomatic testing, you can walk-up, with no need to book. People are being reminded the test centre is not in the hospital, it’s in the car park outside.
For further information on testing, visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/testing.