MP asks constituents to follow safety guidelines
An MP has urged her constituents to follow coronavirus safety guidelines - including wearing face masks - to avoid a local lockdown.
Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich East, made the comments following a surge in cases in Smethwick and West Bromwich.
Sandwell is among the top 10 hotspots in the UK for coronavirus cases.
Latest figures show the infection rate is 23.2 new cases per 100,000 people, up from 8.6 the week before.
On Wednesday night, West Bromwich factory CBS Packaging closed for 14 days after more than a third of employees tested positive for the virus.
It is now compulsory for people to wear face masks in England while in shops.
Ms Richards said: "This awful disease is still prevalent across Sandwell so I would like to remind everyone about the importance maintaining measures such as social distancing, wearing masks in shops, on public transport, in takeaway restaurants and washing hands.
"We want to avoid any localised lockdown in Sandwell and I urge everyone to continue to follow the guidance and stay alert.
"I also ask any businesses in West Bromwich East to contact Public Health England if they suspect an outbreak of Covid-19 amongst employees.".
