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Staffordshire is ready to move to Level 2 of COVID-19 restrictions following a continued increase in cases.
The exact date the new measures will be implemented in the West Midlands region has yet to be confirmed, but “it could be as early as this weekend,” the Staffordshire county council said in a statement.
The status of the alert will be reviewed in 14 days.
Staffordshire County Council Leader Alan White said: “Our residents and businesses have gone to great lengths to keep our county safe and open, but despite this, cases continue to increase rapidly and we now face stricter restrictions.
“This year, Staffordshire has shown what it does best: uniting and supporting our communities, but now we must redouble our efforts to avoid further restrictions and protect our county.”
He added: “We can and must rise to this new challenge, but it is up to each and every one of us to abide by the new rules when they come into force to help keep Staffordshire safe and open for business.”
The alerts from three levels of government are medium, high and very high.
Under the high coronavirus alert level, also known as Level 2, people in affected areas cannot socially mix with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a bubble of support.
The very high alert level (Level 3) implies stricter restrictions, such as the closure of some companies.
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care, said: “The virus is spreading in Staffordshire primarily through social contact, so this additional guide on indoor mixing will help reduce the rate of infection.
“By sticking to the COVID high alert rules, we have the best chance not only to slow the spread of the infection, but also to have these additional measures removed as quickly as possible.”
Parts of the UK under Level 2 restrictions include London, Essex, Slough, Coventry and York.
The rule of six applies to private gardens and outdoor spaces on Level 2 and the social distancing rules also apply.
Pubs and restaurants remain open, but there is no mix of homes inside and a 10pm curfew.
