The Mayor of Dudley is calling on residents to join her by grabbing a jab, with the Omicron Variant now confirmed in the borough.

Residents are urged to “be cautious” and follow the latest covid guidance with the number of Omicron cases expected to rise significantly in the region, following the national pattern which shows the variant is highly transmissible. Taking first and second doses of the vaccine and having the booster when invited helps people to protect themselves and others.

People can play their part by following simple steps such as wearing a face covering, keeping a distance where possible, maintaining good hand hygiene, allowing fresh air in when indoors, taking regular lateral flow tests and getting a PCR test when displaying symptoms.

Those who are meeting up with friends and family in the build up to Christmas and over the holidays are asked to take lateral flow tests before setting out to meet others. Councillor Anne Millward, Mayor of Dudley, said:

"I am delighted to have grabbed my jab today and given this protection to myself and others around me.

"The government has updated its booster policy, and anyone aged 18 or over who has had their second vaccine more than three months ago can get a booster. Please get yours when you are eligible."

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, added: "As Omicron cases are confirmed in our borough, we don’t want people to be alarmed but this is a stark reminder that the virus is still very much with us and we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of infection and protect one another.

"Although we only have a small number of cases of the new variant, we know numbers will rise. We also know that the number of positive cases remains generally high, so we have every reason to remain cautious."

Karen Wright, director of public health at Dudley Council, said: "As we continue our fight against the virus and it continues to throw new variants at us, we have to stay strong and do what we can to help ourselves and others.

"The vaccine is one of our best defences, so please if you haven’t already taken up the offer of your first or second dose, have it now and your booster too when invited. I can’t stress enough how important this is along with following the latest guidance.

"I’d also urge Dudley residents to be kind, to look out for one another and play their part. I’d also ask people to be patient and considerate when using any NHS or health service, they are under increasing pressure as we move through the winter months."

Walk in appointments are available around the borough and people can also book online. For more information go online to NHS website.

People can find out more about the government’s latest guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and to book a jab people can visit nhs.uk/coronavirus.

For all the latest information on council services and support in relation to the pandemic visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.