Extra Covid-19 testing for people in Leek and Cheddleton is continuing this week, with pop ups planned taking place today (Wednesday) and Friday.

People in the area are being encouraged to get themselves to a testing centre and get tested for Covid-19.

Residents of Leek and Cheddleton can get themselves tested at Brough Park Leisure Centre on Wednesday (16 June) between 2pm to 6pm.

Or they can bag themselves a test on Friday at Sainsbury's in Churnet Way, Leek, between 10am and 12noon.

Brough Park Leisure Centre will also be open as a pick up and drop off point for PCR home tests, up until 5pm on Friday.

Any positive tests from these centres will be sent for genotyping, to check if it is the Delta Variant of Concern that has been linked to some schools in the area.

This pop-up testing is in addition to the testing taking place in schools in the area, and house-to-house testing in specific wards.

The county council is also advising everyone eligible for a vaccination to take up the offer as soon as possible, especially those over 23.

Dr Richard Harling Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "Testing as many people as possible is crucial for us to find and isolate cases and stop the virus spreading. The Prime Minister's announcement yesterday on pausing the lifting of lockdown is a stark reminder that we still need to do everything we can to stop Covid-19 from taking a hold in our communities."

"We're doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for people to get tested, along with encouraging people to take up their vaccination offers when eligible. The combination of both testing and vaccination is vital for beating this virus."

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Health and Integrated Care said: "The outbreak in Leek shows just how fast the Delta Variant can spread. We've seen a tremendous response from the community so far, and I have no doubt that this will continue over the next few days as our testing drive intensifies.

"We've tried to make it as convenient as possible for people to get tested, and I would encourage anyone in the Leek and Cheddleton areas to take advantage of this and get themselves tested."