Dudley Council’s health bosses are sending a clear message – people should “act like they’ve got it” and stay at home - as Covid rates soar across the borough.

Infection rates in Dudley sit at 733 cases per 100,000, compared to 863 per 100,000 in Sandwell and 1,024 cases per 100,000 in Wolverhampton.

The national lockdown means people should stay at home, only leaving for a set list of reasons. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:

“I know the Prime Minister’s announcement may have come as a blow to many of us, but it is essential we follow the national guidelines, and all take a personal responsibility to help prevent this disease spreading further.

“We have to bring the transmission rates down, to help protect the NHS from becoming overwhelmed and importantly save lives. We have to dig deep, we’ve done this before and I know we can do it again for the greater good.

“I would urge people to think very carefully about their behaviour in the weeks ahead. If people act like they’ve got it and stay at home, combined with the roll out of the vaccine, then we stand a fighting chance and can look forward to brighter times ahead.”

Karen Wright, director of public health at Dudley Council, added:

“Unfortunately, the case rates in Dudley borough, like across the country are going in the wrong direction.

“We know it’s difficult and a worrying time for many but staying at home now is truly the biggest way people can play their part and help limit the spread of the virus.

“Testing will also remain crucial as will the continued roll out of the vaccine and we will be supporting our colleagues in the NHS as this moves forward.

“We have to remember that 1 in 3 of us with the virus won’t have symptoms so it’s really important people follow the guidelines and stay at home.”

For full details on what people can and can’t do in this latest national lockdown, visit blackcountryradio.co.uk/coronavirus.