Play your part to prevent local lockdown, say Dudley health bosses
Residents of a Black Country borough are being asked to play their part to avoid a local lockdown.
Despite confirmed cases reducing in Dudley since the peak in March, the council is reminding residents to continue to do their bit to control the virus.
Actions to prevent the spread include as washing hands regularly, keeping a safe distance from others – ideally 2m - limiting contact with other people and wearing face coverings.
Dudley Council is also reminding residents to be vigilant about the symptoms – a new persistent cough or fever or a loss of taste or smell – anyone showing signs of the virus should stay at home and self-quarantine with their household.
People can book a test for Covid-19 through the NHS website or by calling 119.
Latest rates of infection in the region:
Average number of new cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to August 14.
Figures show the rate for the seven days to August 14 followed by the equivalent figure for the previous seven days to August 7.
The number of brackets is the number of new cases confirmed in each area in that period.
Data for the most recent three days (August 15-17) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.
Birmingham 31.5 (360), 18.2 (208)
Sandwell 25.3 (83), 22.2 (73)
Wolverhampton 17.1 (45), 11.4 (30)
Walsall 15.4 (44), 7.0 (20)
Telford and Wrekin 14.5 (26), 2.8 (5)
Dudley 4.0 (13), 5.3 (17)
Cannock Chase 3.0 (3), 4.0 (4)
Stafford 2.2 (3), 5.8 (8)
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "We’ve seen the impact of the Covid-19 on our frontline services, the lives lost, the anguish of families who have lost loved ones, the people facing months of recuperation and recovery.
"It’s quite remarkable to think that such simple actions as washing your hands more regularly can help stop the spread of this insidious virus. All of these actions are within our power. Why wouldn’t you play your part?"
Diane Wake, chief executive, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: "Covid-19 has changed the way we need to think about social situations and we need everyone to continue to follow the advice which is to keep two metres apart wherever possible, wash your hands more frequently and wear a face covering in certain situations like in hospital.
"NHS and front line workers continue to work tirelessly to keep people well cared for and safe throughout the peak and we must continue to stop the spread of the virus as we head into the winter months when social distancing will become more difficult.
"Please continue to follow the advice to help protect you and your loved ones."
The call to action is part of an ongoing campaign by the council, and residents will continue to be reminded of how they can play their part in helping to stop the spread of the virus.
