The leader of Dudley Council has thanked borough residents for their continued efforts to help curb the spread of coronavirus, but warned the stark reality is Dudley could be just a week away from further restrictions

With cases of COVID-19 increasing across the country the government this week unveiled its new three-tier alert system, with regions classified into medium, high and very high-risk.

Dudley has been classified, along with much of the country, in the lowest tier, level one - or medium risk.  

In these areas current restrictions - the rule of six applying indoors and outdoors and pubs, bars and restaurants to close at 10pm - will remain, with no further measures to be introduced.

However, while figures in Dudley are currently within the lowest tier threshold, they continue to rise. Residents are now being urged not to be complacent and to take every precaution they can in order to help prevent a further increase in cases and a move to the next level with additional restrictions needing to be introduced.

Speaking to Clive Payne on Black Country Radio, Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said: 

“I’d like to thank everyone in the borough for their efforts so far in helping to limit the spread of the virus. However, despite this, cases in Dudley, as across the country, continue to rise.

“We must not be complacent. The stark reality is we could be just a week away from joining those areas with further restrictions. We all need to redouble our efforts to prevent further spread to avoid moving into the high-risk threshold and the additional restrictions this will bring to our lives.

“It’s vital we act now to protect each other. Wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering. If you have symptoms you must self isolate and get tested.

“We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of covid. Let’s work together, follow the guidance, reduce our social contact or we face the reality of further restrictions on our daily lives.”

The seven-day incident rate in Dudley borough is now 83.0 per 100,000 with 267 recorded cases from September 30 to October 6. This is up from 65.0 per 100,000 last week and 209 recorded cases.

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.

For the latest support and information on Dudley Council’s response to the pandemic visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.