Stay vigilant warning as Sandwell kept on Government coronavirus watchlist
Black Country residents are being warned to be vigilant as Sandwell remains on the Government's coronavirus watchlist.
Sandwell Council yesterday warned people to stay alert after a number of positive coronavirus cases in the same small area of the borough.
In the past five days there have been "several" positive Covid-19 cases in a small part of Great Bridge, the authority said.
Residents who live in the area around Sheepwash Nature Reserve and Farley Park are being told to take extra care.
Latest infection rates in region:
See the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 in your area.
The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.
The list is based on Public Health England data published on September 4 on the Government’s coronavirus online dashboard.
Data for the most recent three days (September 2-4) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.
From left to right, it reads: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to September 1; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to September 1; rate of new cases in the seven days to August 25; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to August 25.
Birmingham 34.5 (394), 25.9 (296)
Sandwell 21.6 (71), 26.2 (86)
Walsall 14.7 (42), 10.9 (31)
Solihull 12.9 (28), 8.3 (18)
Dudley 12.4 (40), 8.4 (27)
Lichfield 12.4 (13), 4.8 (5)
Wolverhampton 10.3 (27), 15.2 (40)
Shropshire 8.0 (26), 7.4 (24)
Stafford 5.8 (8), 4.4 (6)
South Staffordshire 3.6 (4), 5.3 (6)
Telford and Wrekin 2.8 (5), 5.6 (10)
Cannock Chase 1.0 (1), 6.0 (6)
Sandwell was confirmed as staying on the Government's coronavirus watchlist on Friday, with only Birmingham having a higher rate of Covid-19 infection in the West Midlands.
Both boroughs are listed as having "enhanced support," meaning the Government will work with the local authorities to provide additional resources – such as testing or contact tracing – to help bring the numbers of infections down.
While the rate has fallen and then risen again since the first spate of cases in Sandwell at the start of July, the rate of infection has consistently been higher than elsewhere in the Black Country.
Several workplaces have reported outbreaks, including DPD in Oldbury and most recently the pharmacy department of Asda in Smethwick.
Overall 71 more people tested positive in Sandwell in the week to Tuesday, giving the borough an infection rate of 21.6 cases per 100,000 people.
In Birmingham the rate has risen to 34.5 cases per 100,000 people but the highest rates of infection in the country are in Lancashire with Bolton having a rate of 92.2 cases in the seven days to Tuesday.
Leeds, South Tyneside, Corby, Middlesbrough and Kettering have been added to the list of areas that ministers are concerned about, Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed.
Sandwell Council posted on Facebook saying: "We’ve had several positive Covid-19 cases confirmed in a small area of Great Bridge near Tipton in the past five days.
"We’re asking people living in the area immediately around Sheepwash Nature Reserve and Farley Park to take extra care.
"Remember – Covid-19 can be fatal.
"Don’t have any visitors inside your home – only essential visits such as carers. Avoid social gatherings. Make sure you keep your distance from others. Wash your hands regularly. Wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and other enclosed spaces.
"If you experience Covid-19 symptoms (a cough, fever or change in taste or smell) then stay home, book a test and self-isolate," Sandwell Council added.
"You can book a test by calling 119 or via the NHS website (search for ‘book a covid test’).
"Everyone need to be vigilant and stop the spread of Covid-19."
