People in Lichfield and Burntwood are being told that not sticking to coronavirus rules will lead to tighter local restrictions.
The comments come from Staffordshire County Council’s leader after the Government unveiled a new three tier system of COVID-19 measures.
Staffordshire is currently in the medium tier, meaning it has avoided some of the tighter restrictions seen in areas such as Liverpool.
But after warnings about rising infection rates across Lichfield and Burntwood, Cllr Alan White said people could not afford to become complacent.
“COVID-19 is tightening its grip everywhere, including in Staffordshire where cases are rising fast in parts of the county.
“We have worked hard to protect the vulnerable and we continue to act swiftly to contain outbreaks to help reduce the risk to both lives and livelihoods.
“But the situation in Liverpool is a stark reminder of what could happen here if we don’t act now, so we are asking people of all ages to redouble their efforts to help keep Staffordshire safe.
“Complacency is COVID-19’s biggest friend and the consequences of not sticking to the rules are now in our own hands.”
Cllr Alan White, Staffordshire County Council
