Key community figures across the borough have come together with a clear message to residents to play their part and avoid a local lockdown.

In a series of video messages, which will be shared on social media, residents are urged to follow government guidelines including wearing face masks and following social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The videos feature a local Imam, the Bishop of Dudley, a local GP and a Dudley borough resident who has been shielding due to coronavirus.

They will be shared as part of a campaign, which also features the leader of Dudley Council, the director of public health, a teacher and a parent.

Last week, the government borough in new restrictions in England, which limits gatherings to six people both indoors and outdoors with some exemptions. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

“Dudley borough, like many areas up and down the country has seen a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the last few weeks.

”I can’t stress enough how important it is for us all to play our part, follow the guidelines and help avoid a local lockdown.

“I’m grateful to everyone who has featured in the videos to help spread this really important message to everyone in our community and I would encourage local people to follow their advice and also share these videos online to help spread the word further.

Residents are urged to continue to stay at home as much as possible, limit contact with other people and work from home if they can.

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

Symptoms include a high temperature, new and continuous cough or a loss or change to smell and taste. Anyone with symptoms must get tested and stay at home for ten days from the first day they had symptoms. Book a coronavirus test online or call 119.

If people are contacted by Test and Trace, they are urged to share as much information as possible. The data is only used to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If a member of a household thinks they may have the virus, not only is it important they get tested, but they need to follow government guidance on what to do to stop the infection spreading to other family members. 

Details can be found on the government's website.