The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has extended tier 4 restrictions across England, with Dudley borough moving to tier 4 restrictions alongside Sandwell, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

New restrictions will come into force from one minute past midnight tomorrow morning (Thursday) and mean that hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must remain closed - but can continue to offer takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

Non-essential shops, hairdressers, and leisure and entertainment venues must close, with a new “stay at home” message introduced.

People who need to travel for education or childcare are exempt, and exercise is unlimited. Where people cannot work from home, they will still be able to travel to work.

Under the measures, households are not allowed to mix, but one person is allowed to meet with one other person outside in a public space. Support bubbles and those meeting for childcare are exempt. Those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable should not go to work and should limit time outside of their homes.

Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home, and cannot travel abroad. For more details on restrictions, you can visit gov.uk.

Dudley borough currently has 284 cases per 100,000 people (in the week running 19th December to 25th December) compared to an average across England of 248.

Dudley borough currently has the highest figures the region, despite seeing a slight reduction over the last 12 days, and residents are being urged to continue to be very careful during and after the national lockdown. Speaking about the move, Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, says:

"Whilst it's very frustrating to be facing even more restrictions, we cannot escape the fact that this deadly virus is spreading to more people across the West Midlands.Unless further action is taken, many more will see their lives cut short by this awful virus.

"The obvious consequence of these new restrictions is further closures of businesses including in the retail and fitness sectors. As I've made abundantly clear, the current Government grant scheme is not sufficient. Without further support, many good businesses will disappear.

"Our aim has to be to get out of tier 4 restrictions as soon as possible and once we're out, to stay out thanks to the vaccine."

Anyone who is personally or financially affected by pandemic can receive ongoing help and support from the council by calling their dedicated helpline on 0300 3302 152 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm). 

Community testing with super-quick results for borough residents with no symptoms of Covid-19 is available at pharmacies around Dudley with an online booking system now live.

Anyone displaying any of the symptoms of coronavirus - a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to their sense of smell – must book a standard COVID test at one of the borough’s four testing sites which continue to operate by visiting the Government Coronavirus website.