Posted on Sunday 13th June 2021
Soccer fans in Leek heading out to watch England’s Euros debut are being urged to stay ahead of the game by getting tested, getting vaccinated and sticking to the rules to help tackle the Covid outbreak in the town.
With surge testing of 10,000 people set to kick off, people are being encouraged to play their part by taking a test at a pop-up in Market Place Car Park tomorrow. (Sunday) People can just walk up and get a test between 10am and 4pm.
The testing in Leek. and nearby Cheddleton, comes after more than 100 cases of Covid have been linked to schools, with almost 70 of these already confirmed as the Delta Variant of Concern.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Cases are rising in Leek and Cheddleton and we want to continue to identify and isolate as many of them as possible. We need to stop the spread of the virus before it gets out of control, like we have seen in some other parts of the country.
“With one of the warmest days of the year coinciding with England’s opener in the Euros tomorrow, we know that many people will be out and about enjoying the sunshine, meeting up with friends and family and watching the big match.
“We want everyone to enjoy the day safely and also help tackle this outbreak by popping along to the Market Square tomorrow to take a test. It is quick, easy and will help us reduce the risk to everyone who lives and works in the town.”
People don’t need to self-isolate on the day – and only need to do so if they are told later they have tested positive. All positive results will be sent for genotyping to check for the Variant of Concern.
Next week testing of pupils in schools, together with wider community testing will get underway as part of the surge testing plan.
People aged 18 and over who live in Leek or Cheddleton or, work there and are a Staffordshire Moorlands resident, can also get the vaccine at the pop-up clinic at Leek Moorlands Hospital. The clinic runs until Wednesday June 16 and appointments can be booked here or if people have difficulty booking a slot they can also ring 01785 898844 for help.
People can keep up to date with all the surge testing news at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leektesting