'Follow the rules' call as Walsall has highest virus rate in Black Country
Coronavirus rates have hit their highest levels across Walsall borough as cases continue to surge.
Walsall now has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the Black Country after 322 new cases were recorded in the seven days up to October 4, a rate of 113.6 per 100,000 people.
Politicians today said that despite the spike they were against extra lockdown restrictions in the borough, saying people can control the spread of the virus by sticking to the current rules.
The infection rate has risen drastically in Walsall since September 1 when just five cases were recorded. By the end of last month there were 34 cases a day, and the figure has now hit 46.
The rate has almost tripled since the middle of last month.
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Sandwell and Wolverhampton – which have both had extra lockdown measures imposed – have current rates of 106.3 and 69.1 respectively, while in Dudley the rate is 66.7 per 100,000 people.
Eddie Hughes, the Conservative MP for Walsall North, said he did not want to see ministers enforce extra restrictions in the borough banning households from mixing.
"I don't think there is a case for extra restrictions at this point," he said.
"I think the people of Walsall should be looking at the statistics and asking how can we ensure that we get into a better position.
"It is incredibly important that people don't look at others who are breaking the rules, they look to themselves and make sure they are adhering to all of the rules, including social distancing and wearing a mask where appropriate.
"If we all stick to these current rules then I believe we will contain the spread in Walsall."
Last month health bosses in the borough blamed the rising Covid-19 rate on an outbreak at Manor Hospital.
Councillor Mike Bird, the leader of Walsall Council, said: "There is no real alarm at the moment because about half of local authorities are now seeing rates above 100.
"In Walsall the rising rate does seem to be down to households mixing, as well as students coming back from university and bringing it with them.
"Quite simply, people need to follow the rules."
