Health bosses: 'act like you have the virus' to protect lives

The national lockdown means people should stay at home, only leaving their home if necessary, and schools must close once again.

In Dudley borough, cases are still rising – in the week up to January 2 there were 600 cases per 100,000 which is a significant increase on previous weeks.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "I know the Prime Minister’s announcement may have come as a blow to many of us, but it is essential we follow the national guidelines, and all take a personal responsibility to help prevent this disease spreading further.

"We have to bring the transmission rates down, to help protect the NHS from becoming overwhelmed and importantly save lives.

"We have to dig deep, we’ve done this before and I know we can do it again for the greater good.

"I would urge people to think very carefully about their behaviour in the weeks ahead. If people act like they’ve got it and stay at home, combined with the roll out of the vaccine, then we stand a fighting chance and can look forward to brighter times ahead."

Testing

Karen Wright, director of public health at Dudley Council, said: "Unfortunately, the case rates in Dudley borough, like across the country are going in the wrong direction.

"We know it’s difficult and a worrying time for many but staying at home now is truly the biggest way people can play their part and help limit the spread of the virus.

"Testing will also remain crucial as will the continued roll out of the vaccine and we will be supporting our colleagues in the NHS as this moves forward.

"We have to remember that one in three of us with the virus won’t have symptoms so it’s really important people follow the guidelines and stay at home."

The latest figures show over 2,300 people in Wolverhampton tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and health and police chiefs are calling on residents to stay home during the national lockdown – and to take extreme care if they must go out.

There were 889.7 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 3 January. That means 2,340 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be considerably higher.

Deadly

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "The rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in the last couple of weeks is a huge concern. More and more people are contracting this deadly virus which is putting enormous pressure on our NHS, so it is even more vital that we all do what we can to stop the spread and protect our most vulnerable residents.

"The lockdown announced on Monday makes it imperative that we all stay home, unless absolutely necessary. This will enable us to all dramatically reduce contact with others, which we know is the best way to stop the virus spreading.

"The new restrictions have been introduced for good reason, so please make sure you and your family follow the rules and that you stay home over the next few weeks."

Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said the country and the county were now at a critical point after a surge of cases as the new more infectious strain of the Covid virus swept England.

Councillor White said: “While nobody wants to see further restricitons imposed, it is clear that Covid-19 preys on complacency. So our message is clear. Please act now and think of the impact of you spreading the virus may have not just on you, but on your family, your friends, your colleagues and your community."

Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Maria Crompton said: “Since the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus, Covid-19 cases are rising fast in Sandwell and across our region.

“This is a dangerous time, especially for the older members of our community who are at greater risk of severe illness and death.

“The health service is under massive pressure.

“Everyone must stay home as much as possible and not have any visitors except for essential carers."