Health leaders bracing themselves for ‘long hard winter’

The Government has said lockdown restrictions will come to an end on December 2 – with a return to the tier-based system.

But Health Secretary Matt Hancock has since refused to rule out an extension to the measures brought in to curb infection rates.

The country is now more than halfway through the second lockdown – with virus cases still rising in the Black Country.

Council health chiefs said they were waiting for further Government decisions on the rules but urged people to remain vigilant.

Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health at Sandwell Council, said: “Central Government decide on the nature and timing of restrictions for local areas.

“It’s going to be important that they are easy to understand and communicated as clearly as possible.

"Our focus will continue to be on providing an outbreak response service seven days a week in schools, care homes, workplaces and anywhere outbreaks of Covid-19 arise.

“Whatever restrictions the Government decide upon, what is certain is that we all have a long hard winter ahead.”

Stephen Gunther, director of public health at Walsall Council, said there was “hope on the horizon” in the virus fight but called on people to continue following the rules.

He said: “National government will determine the next steps as we look to come out of this national lockdown.

“In the meantime it’s really important that we continue to minimise contact to reduce the spread of the virus.

“I would like to thank everyone who is following the rules, but we are still seeing an increase in numbers.

“Transmission rates are still high within households so it’s important that residents do not meet socially indoors or in a private garden with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

“Whilst there is hope on the horizon, we still have a long way to go and it is essential that we all remember to keep washing our hands, covering our face and maintaining social distance to get our numbers down and fight this virus.”

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care on Dudley Council, said the authority was awaiting further Government guidance on restrictions.

He said: “Right now, 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 app to help protect ourselves and others.

“We have seen a concerning upsurge in Covid-19 cases in our borough and as the NHS continues to increase local testing capacity, I am asking anyone displaying symptoms, no matter how mild, to isolate and book a test.

“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.”

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council added: “We are continuing to urge residents to do all they can to stop the spread of Covid-19 by following the Government’s lockdown guidance which will be in place until December 2.”