15 Staffordshire Police workers have tested positive for Covid-19 throughout pandemic

The data, released under Freedom of Information laws, shows the tests were carried out between March 1 and September 16.

In total, 362 tests were carried out on police staff, not just officers, during that period.

Just two tests were carried out in March, with the number rising sharply to 102 in May.

On average, around 40 to 50 tests have been carried out per month since March.

More Covid-19 coverage:

• Sandwell health boss pleads with residents after rise in Covid cases

• Walsall mum who survived coronavirus still feeling effects seven months on

• Latest number of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases in your area

• The Black Country and Staffordshire schools with confirmed coronavirus cases

• See all the latest coronavirus news at expressandstar.com/covid19

Phil Jones, chairman of the Staffordshire Police Federation, said: “Police officers aren’t immune and they take the same risks as everybody else.

"In fact, you could argue they take a higher degree of risk as they come into contact with members of the public more often and have to enter people’s homes and such.

“But they have got PPE and it’s good they’ve got access to testing so they know if they need to self isolate.

"I think we’re in a really good position in terms of PPE.

“The police generally have been put in a really tough position with changing coronavirus legislation.

"But the four E’s strategy of explaining the legislation to people and asking them to work with it has worked really well, with the last strand of that being enforcement.

“In Staffordshire we’ve seen the third lowest number of enforcements which is really good as it means the public have been really accepting of the new legislation.”

Another Freedom of Information request showed no fines had been handed out by the force for not wearing a mask on public transport or in other mask-mandated spaces.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “We are working hard to ensure we continue to safeguard all of our staff with social distancing and regular updates and information reflecting changes in guidelines.

"Some of our staff are working remotely where possible, but we have social distancing in place for staff who continue to work at our stations and headquarters, with safe walking routes, designated desks and supplies of hand sanitiser, soap and disinfectant sprays.

“We have clear guidelines for officers as to the wearing of masks and safe distancing at locations and when they’re travelling.

"Although we have managed well so far we are not complacent and continue to revise and update working conditions and guidance relating to Covid19 at Staffordshire Police.”