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More council services reopen as Stoke-on-Trent moves to Plan A restrictions

Published: Friday, 21st January 2022

More council services are set to reopen as Stoke-on-Trent City Council moves cautiously back to Plan A restrictions.

It follows the government announcement yesterday on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and the return to Plan A, the rules that were in place until last December.

From Monday 24 January 2022, libraries in Stoke-on-Trent will be open again, with local centres set to reopen the following week. The changes follow on from the recent reopening of museum and leisure services across the city.

To successfully ensure the continued operation of essential services, including waste collections, adult social care, vaccinations and the testing centres, some council resources had remained closed as staff were redeployed to support these services.

Cllr Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:

“The move from Plan B measures will have a positive impact on many residents and businesses across Stoke-on-Trent.

“However, we must be mindful that the number of Covid-19 cases is still very high and we are certainly far from out of the woods. It’s important for everyone in the city to stay vigilant, and to be considerate to others as our lives and ways of working re-adjust to the new measures.

“Cases of Covid-19 and staff absences still remain a challenge in some of our schools and care settings. We are expecting this situation to improve during the next few weeks.

“I’m deeply appreciative of the continuing hard work and dedication of council staff who have all risen to the challenges we have faced this winter, and that we have remained able to deliver essential services for residents in the face of some difficult circumstances. In light of the new government measures we are now moving forward with the possibilities of hybrid working.

“It’s good news for the city that we are now able to reopen more of our local community facilities for everyone once again.”

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones MBE, Director of Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Wellbeing and Director of Public Health said:

“Covid-19 remains a threat and our hospitals are still under significant pressure, with patients continuing to be admitted with the virus, and some not able to survive this highly infectious disease.

“Over the last week, around the city we saw a reduction in the number of people testing positive for Covid-19, but our rates are still extremely high. In terms of case numbers, just three weeks ago at the beginning of the new year, Stoke-on-Trent was 117th in England and 11th in West Midlands – but the situation has rapidly worsened and we are now 32nd in England and 6th in West Midlands. We could be in for some very difficult weeks ahead as the numbers of primary school children infected are still rising rapidly.

“As the city moves to Plan A, the legal requirements that formed part of the Plan B measures are removed, but I urge residents to still be responsible and cautious. It is vital we continue to reduce the number of people testing positive in the city. This will help to ease pressures on our health services, schools, care homes and workplaces.

“I would also encourage people to continue to wear face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces. Wash your hands frequently, keep opening windows in enclosed spaces, and keep testing regularly. If you feel unwell, stay home and book a PCR test as soon as possible by calling 119 or reserving an appointment online.

“Getting vaccinated is still the best thing you can do to protect yourself, family and friends. I strongly advise anyone who is eligible for a first, second or booster vaccination to get it without delay. It’s never too late to get your first jab, and there are a good number of walk-in clinics across the city every week where no appointments are needed, simply go along.”