As England enters Stage Three of the Government's roadmap, health chiefs at Staffordshire County Council are advising residents against travel to areas that have high levels of the Indian variant.

The Indian variant is thought to spread even more easily and threatens further progress out of lockdown.

As from Monday 17 May the Government has allowed limited indoor mixing and overnight stays at hotels and B&Bs.

With restrictions easing and travel increasing the Council is advising residents against visiting Indian variant hotspot areas and to be wary of welcoming visitors from these locations.

Surge testing is being deployed in several areas, including Bolton, Blackburn and some London boroughs to help identify infections from the emerging Indian variant.

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council's Director of Health and Care said: "Staffordshire has made great progress in reducing the number of cases of Covid and we are looking forward to enjoying the return of some of our freedoms.

"People are advised to continue to take precautions to prevent a resurgence of infections – remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air, get tested twice a week and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

"The Indian variant poses a high risk so we are keen to stop the virus getting a foothold in the county.

"We are advising residents to avoid travel to areas with lots of Indian variant cases – and think carefully before inviting visitors from these locations to Staffordshire. These areas include Bolton, Blackburn and parts of London."

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