Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in Dudley borough and across the country and many areas have already seen local restrictions imposed which have included preventing people from mixing with other households at their home or in their gardens. These additional restrictions have now been announced nationally and locally restrictions already prevent residents in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton having any contact between households.

And residents in Dudley borough are being urged to take every precaution they can in order to help prevent similar additional restrictions being applied over the coming days.

When out and about residents should:
• keep their distance from others and avoid crowds. Stay two metres away from others, where they can
• wear a face covering when on public transport, shopping or in enclosed public spaces to reduce the spread of the virus
• wash their hands regularly throughout the day

Downloading the covid-19 app is also essential to help the NHS trace cases and manage outbreaks. Residents are also reminded that they should download and use the app before entering most council buildings including leisure centres, libraries, museums, town halls, crematoriums and at Dudley Council House.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said:

While Dudley’s figures remain below those of our neighbouring authorities, it’s only through each and every one of us taking action to prevent further spread of this disease that we as a borough, can hope to stay outside of local lockdown measures.

Household transmission has been identified as the main cause of the increase in cases in our region, so keeping to the rule of six is essential if we are to avoid being forced to introduce local restrictions across Dudley borough. These restrictions include being unable to mix with people from other households at home or in your garden so I urge everyone to follow the rules.

We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of covid, and the steps we can all take are so simple – wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering.

These are not difficult things to do but unless we all step up and take responsibility for ourselves and our communities, we will continue to see rates increase. We are in this together and we need to take action together.

For all the latest government advice on Covid-19 people can visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus and for the latest support and information on Dudley Council’s response to the pandemic visit www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.

People can find out more about the app at www.covid19.nhs.uk