Government restrictions in all parts of Dudley borough will increase to tier 2 (alert level high) from 00:01am on Saturday morning.

As coronavirus cases continue to rise across, further legal restrictions will come in to force across the region.

This means Dudley borough residents will not be able to meet with other households indoors in any private or public setting. This includes your own home or venues such as pubs and restaurants. People should not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or park, other than where specific exemptions apply in law.

Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner and schools, colleges, universities and places of worship will remain open

Pubs, restaurants and bars must continue to close at 10pm. Takeaway's can operate after 10pm but only via delivery service, collection or drive through - eating in will not be permitted.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees, while exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, and indoors, as long as people are able to avoid mixing with other households via social distancing. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“I know everyone has made huge efforts so far in helping to curb the spread of coronavirus, and I want to thank you for all you have done. Sadly, despite this, cases in Dudley, as across the country, have continued to rise.

“Your efforts helped us remain in tier one, the last authority in the West Midlands Combined Authority area to do so, but we have now joined our neighbours.

“Our borough will now move into the high alert category (tier two), with further restrictions, particularly around social mixing, coming into place.

“It is vital we follow them. Figures are doubling every two weeks and we must act now to safeguard ourselves and our families and we all have a duty of care to our older and vulnerable residents.

”We know these are very difficult times for everyone, it’s impacting on our lives and our economy, but we can’t stress how vital it is we redouble our efforts and all follow these national measures to protect each other.”

At all times, people must follow social distancing rules, wear a face covering, work from home if possible and travel only where necessary. The use of face coverings, social distancing and regular hand washing remains imperative.