Residents across Staffordshire Moorlands are being warned to be extra vigilant and get tested as latest figures show Covid cases are on the rise.

Cases for Staffordshire Moorlands have started to creep back up in the last three weeks with the seven-day rate hitting 84.3 per 100,000 population. This is higher than the Staffordshire, West Midlands and England averages.

One rising section that is causing a particular cause for concern for county council health chiefs is Leek's 35 to 44 age group.

Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "Cases are falling in most parts of Staffordshire, however there are small pockets not following the county trend, which is a concern as we are still in a national lockdown.

"The town of Leek, and in particular the figures for the working aged population between 35 to 44 are becoming a worry.

"The ongoing lockdown means that people must not leave or be outside their home except where necessary. However, some people may need to leave home to go to work, if they cannot work from home.

"It is vital these people need to maintain hands, face and space and get tested regularly. 1 in 3 people do not show any symptoms and it appears many people in Leek could be unwittingly transmitting the virus whilst at work.

"Getting tested if you have to leave home to work is vital in stopping the spread."

Rapid testing slots are available at Leek's Brough Park Leisure Centre, Sunday -Thursday and there are also pop-up sites on Sunday at Werrington and Caverswall village halls.

Residents are now able to walk in to one of the community testing sites to get a rapid Covid-19 test. Walk ins are subject to availability at each individual site or you can book on a community testing page.

People with symptoms or those who have been asked to self-isolate as a close contact of a Covid case should not attend.

Dr Richard Harling added: "It's also important to remember to only car share if you absolutely have to and follow the government's best practice advice on this if it's necessary."