More than 2,000 covid tested in Leek

More than 2,000 residents in Leek have turned out for testing in just four days. The testing push is in response to an outbreak of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC) first identified in India. Families with links to any school in Leek, and patrons of two hospitality venues, were urged to get tested to help determine the potential spread of the variant and stop it in its tracks. Extra testing wan convened at St Edward’s Church of England Academy, Leek High School and Westwood College, to make it as convenient as possible for local people to get tested. Testing will continue until 12 June at Leek Britannia HQ--Newton House, and is bookablevia the government testing site. Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: “The response from the people of Leek to this issue has been fantastic. For the first few days, we saw queues outside the testing centres, and it is still great to see people turning up to get tested. “Each positive test will be sent for genotyping, which means we will get an idea of how far this variant has spread, as can take steps to stop it from spreading any further. By acting quickly and responding to the call to get tested, the people of Leek are really helping us to stop the spread of this virus in its tracks. “Testing is still continuing at Newton House throughout next week, right up until June 12. I would urge anyone who has links to any school in Leek or one of the two hospitality venues to get a test as soon as possible, and help us stop the spread.” Testing is being targeted at:

• Families with links to Westwood College, St Edward’s Middle School and Leek High School.

• Families with links to any Leek school

• People who attended The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa, Blackshaw Moor between 24-26 May

• People who attended The Black Lion, Cheddleton between 22-23 May