Health leaders in Dudley are urging residents to follow the rules as Covid figures continue to soar as lockdown enters its third week.

Dudley’s director of Public Health, Dudley Group of Hospitals and the CCG have come together to share the stark message that unless the number of cases starts to fall, local restrictions could remain in place post lockdown, and in the run up to Christmas.

For months Dudley had one of the lowest rates in the West Midlands, which helped keep the borough in Tier One for longer, but this now stands 533.3 per 100,000, putting it the highest in the Black Country.

The increase in testing is being cited as one of the reasons the number of positive cases has risen, but the key to bringing this figure down is by everyone following the lockdown rules. Bal Kaur, director of public health said:

“During this lockdown there’s a window of opportunity when, if we all work together we can bring down the infection rate. We recognise this is another huge sacrifice for so many people in our borough, who have already done so much to help us protect our communities. But we must do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“If the rates don’t start to fall, there’s the possibility we’ll be in a position none of us want to be in where local restrictions could still be in place after the national lockdown and in the run up to Christmas.

“I would urge all residents across the borough to play their part - stay at home and follow the government advice.”

Diane Wake, chief executive, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust added:

“We know just how hard everyone is finding the current restrictions and the impact that is having on the communities of Dudley. We also see first hand the effect Covid-19 is having on hospital and community services and we need everyone to play their part in reducing the number of infections in Dudley.

“Our community was amazing through the first wave and we need everyone to once again follow the guidance and restrictions in place most importantly wash hands often, wear a face covering and keep space between people.”

At the end of October, the council helped set up two walk-in testing sites at Flood St car park, Dudley, and Jackson St car park, Lye. There is also a drive-through testing site at Waterfront, Brierley Hill. All testing must be pre-booked online or by calling 119.

To find out how council services are affected by the pandemic visit dudley.gov.uk.