People in Lichfield and Burntwood are being urged to keep up twice-weekly Covid-19 testing after a surge in cases at schools and colleges across Staffordshire.

Coronavirus

Cllr Johnny McMahon, cabinet support member for public health at Staffordshire County Council, said rates were on the rise among the 11 to 18-year-old age group.

He added that the numbers meant it was key that people kept up a regular testing regime and sought a PCR test if they have any symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has a positive result.

Cllr McMahon said:

“We are continuing to see cases rise across Staffordshire, with the 11 to 18-year-old age group particularly affected.

“Getting tested is the best way to identify more people who have the virus and in turn stop the spread of infection.

“While we know there are three key symptoms – a new persistent cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell – symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or a runny nose can also be a sign of Covid.

“So, we would encourage anyone who is feeling generally unwell and, especially if they have links to schools and colleges, to book a PCR test as a precaution to rule it out and help reduce the risk to others as we head towards winter.”

Cllr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council

For more information about how to book a test, visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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Revs33
2 years ago

If the decision to vaccinate 12-15 year olds has been taken sooner we could of stopped this surge in cases. As usual too little too late and our kids have to suffer more anxiety and upheaval in their education. Also when are we go to be told when they will start vaccinations? Complete failure as usual by Tories at national, county and local levels to run this country properly.

Clare Sholl
2 years ago

@Revs33: quite! High school students should have been vaccinated over the summer. My 15 year old (in Year 11 i.e. GCSE year) has just missed almost a week of school as we waited for a PCR test result after she had been in close contact with others with Covid-19, both in her class and friends from a different school, and was feeling unwell herself. Plenty of GCSE students are missing vital days in school right now. Others are being allowed to go into school with symptoms and spread the virus.

I’ve now just received an email informing me that my daughter will not be offered the vaccine until after the October half term holiday. Pathetic. Other countries started offering the vaccine to this age group months ago. This is yet another case of Backfoot Boris and his incompetent Tory government letting the UK down.