Tier 3, very high alert, is for areas with very high or rapidly rising level of infections, the restrictions will cover the entire Birmingham and Black Country region, which continues to experience high numbers of Covid-19 cases.

Dudley borough currently has the highest figures the region, despite seeing a slight reduction over the last 12 days, and residents are being urged to continue to be very careful during and after the national lockdown.

The borough recorded 387 cases per 100,000 in the seven-day period ending the 23 November. This is down from 575 per 100,000 in the seven-day period ending on 14 November.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

"Residents and businesses continue to make huge personal and financial sacrifices during the pandemic, and I want to thank everyone for playing their part.

"We know today’s announcement will bring frustration to many people in our borough and I am personally disappointed that the decision does not reflect the substantial reduction in our Covid-19 cases we have seen in recent days.

"I will be urging the government to continually review the situation and stand by their promises to take another look in two weeks’ time. In the meantime it’s vital that we all continue to follow the government restrictions and everyone who can download the Covid-19 app should do so.

"By continuing to take personal and collective action we can help to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus and give ourselves the best chance of seeing our nearest and dearest over the Christmas period.

"Anyone who is personally or financially affected by pandemic can receive ongoing help and support from the council by calling our helpline."

The local authority is continuing to offer the Covid-19 helpline, in conjunction with
Citizens Advice Dudley, Dudley Council for Voluntary Services (DCVS) and the Black Country Foodbank.

Help is available to those who are self-isolating, may be feeling lonely or isolated, are unable to leave their home, or struggling financially due to the pandemic. People can call 0300 3302 152 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Tier 3 area must operate under the follow stipulations, as well as other restrictions:

1. People must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with or is not in their support bubble. This includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.

2. People must not socialise in a group of more than six in permitted public spaces, such as parks and countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility.

3. Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must remain closed but they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway or delivery.

4. Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses will only be open to people staying for work or main residence.

5. Indoor entertainment, tourist venues, indoor attractions and entertainment venues must close.

6. Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close.

7. Wedding and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events.

People can access testing seven days a week and residents are reminded to seek a test whenever they become symptomatic.

Bal Kaur, director of public health in Dudley, said:

"Dudley borough’s Covid-19 figures remain critically high. Isolating and testing are vital to reducing further spread amongst our communities.

"Symptoms of Covid-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough and or a loss of taste or smell.

"Asking anyone displaying these symptoms, no matter how mild, must isolate and book a test immediately by contacting the NHS Test and Trace service, regardless of the day of the week.

"People must book a test in advance by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus"

Dudley borough currently has four testing sites. The main two testing units are located at Flood Street car park (off Oakeywell Street) in Dudley and on Jackson Street car park in Lye.

There are also two temporary mobile test sites located at Brierley Hill and Himley Hall (access through West Gate entry only), these are drive through only and people should not attempt to access the sites on foot.

All those attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from their designated test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and
Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

Residents and businesses can keep updated on the council’s latest response to the covid-19 crisis at www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus

Details of financial support available to residents impacted by the pandemic can also be found at www.dudley.gov.uk/covidfinancialsupport