Dudley Council bosses will be asked to review and approve ongoing work to help protect Dudley residents from the Coronavirus at a meeting next week.

The local authority is working in conjunction with Public Health England, NHS and CCG to respond to the COVID-19 virus and the local authority cabinet are expected to give their support. Dudley Council’s public health team is delivering special containment training sessions to care workers this week.

The country is currently in the contain phase of dealing with the virus with the risk to public health remaining low. To date more than 24,960 people in the UK have been tested with 319 positive cases, including 1 in Dudley borough. 

The next phase of delay will aim to slow the spread in the UK and lower impact on public services and individuals. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"Dudley Council is working with NHS colleagues and all our partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and to ensure the people of Dudley are protected.

"We are reassuring people that the risk to the people in Dudley remains low and are running training and awareness sessions with key people such as care workers.

"Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps people can take to protect themselves and their family by washing hands regularly and thoroughly, and covering their mouth and nose with a tissue if they cough."

Anyone who has been to one of the affected areas or who has been in contact with a confirmed case and is feeling unwell with a cough, fever or shortness of breath should use the NHS 111 online service or phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away.

It is important that people with concerns don’t go to their GP surgery or a hospital to be tested, this is to protect others. Further advice and information can be found online at nhs.uk/coronavirus.