Dudley could be just a week away from stricter lockdown, leader warns
Dudley could be just a week away from extra lockdown restrictions, the council leader has warned.
The borough was this week placed in the tier one "medium risk" category of the Government's new traffic light system, meaning people must follow the current national measures.
But Councillor Patrick Harley has warned against complacency, saying Dudley will join the rest of the Black Country in the "high risk" second tier should Covid-19 infection rates continue to rise.
In the seven days to October 11 Dudley's rate was far lower than the rest of the region at 77.1 per 100,000 people, with 248 cases recorded.
Mr Harley said: "I’d like to thank everyone in the borough for their efforts so far in helping to limit the spread of the virus.
"However, despite this, cases in Dudley, as across the country, continue to rise.
"We must not be complacent. The stark reality is we could be just a week away from joining those areas with further restrictions.
"We all need to redouble our efforts to prevent further spread to avoid moving into the high-risk threshold and the additional restrictions this will bring to our lives.
"It’s vital we act now to protect each other. Wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering.
Role
"If you have symptoms you must self isolate and get tested.
"We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of Covid.
"Let’s work together, follow the guidance, reduce our social contact or we face the reality of further restrictions on our daily lives."
Under the new rules, which came into force yesterday, people in Dudley must follow the "rule of six", while businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close by 10pm.
In Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Birmingham and Solihull, people are banned from mixing with others from outside their households in any indoor settings.
Ministers are understood to be reviewing measures on a weekly basis.
