Expert's warning as coronavirus rates in area rise
An expert in infectious diseases has warned that people in and around the Black Country must adhere to social distancing guidelines following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
Associate professor Dr Martin Khechara, senior lecturer in microbiology from Wolverhampton University said people must not drop their guard over the festive season.
The comments come after it was revealed that Dudley now had the England's fourth highest rate, accounting for almost 550 cases per 100,000, up 48.7 compared to a week before.
Sandwell’s rate is almost 500, Walsall’s 400 and Wolverhampton’s 364.
Cannock’s rate is marginally up, while rates in Stafford, Lichfield, South Staffordshire showed a fall.
Prof Khechara said: “Remember the virus that causes Covid-19 can’t spread by itself - it is people that spread the virus.
"Even with the festive season close at hand, we still need to take care to wash our hands regularly, wear face coverings in public and enclosed spaces and avoid mixing with people outside your support bubble and in numbers greater than the current government guidelines say.
"Remember that just like in the summer, our wellbeing is still in each other’s hands, so let’s look after each other.”
Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Sandwell, echoed the concerns.
She said the authority had the second highest in the Black Country and the third highest in the West Midlands.
Dr McNally said Tipton was the area with the highest rate in the borough.
“All across the West Midlands we are seeing rising hospital admissions and deaths due to Covid-19," she said.
“The situation is dangerous and we all need to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our families safe from this potentially fatal virus.”
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health at Dudley Council, said he was concerned about the upsurge in coronavirus cases in the borough.
He urged anyone displaying symptoms, no matter how mild, to isolate and book a test.
"It is vital that we all continue to follow the national restrictions, stay at home and save lives, remember hands, face, space and download the Covid-19 to help protect ourselves and others," he said.
Councillor Barlow said while the test centres were well used during the week, there was less uptake at weekends.
He reminded residents that tests were available seven days a week.
"Anyone with symptoms must contact the NHS Test and Trace service immediately, regardless of the day of the week, to book a test appointment in advance by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus."
