While Dudley continues to have the lowest rates of coronavirus in the Black Country, cases, as in much of the country, are rising and a move to the high alert level has been confirmed by the government today.

Everyone in Dudley is again being urged to help protect the borough, each other and the NHS by following the updated restrictions:

• People must not socialise with anybody outside their household or care or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in public
• People must not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or park (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that are already closed in law, and schools, universities and places of worship will remain open
• Pubs, restaurants and bars must continue to close at 10pm. Takeaways can operate after 10pm but only via delivery service, collection or drive through
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees, while exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, and indoors, as long as people are able to avoid mixing with other households and for youth or disability sport.

At all times, people must follow social distancing rules, wear a face covering, work from home if possible and travel only where necessary.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

"I know everyone has made huge efforts so far in helping to curb the spread of coronavirus, and I want to thank you for all you have done. Sadly, despite this, cases in Dudley, as across the country, have continued to rise.

"Your efforts helped us remain in tier one, the last authority in the West Midlands Combined Authority area to do so, but we have now joined our neighbours.

"Our borough will now move into the high alert category (tier two), with further restrictions, particularly around social mixing, coming into place.

"It is vital we follow them. Figures are doubling every two weeks and we must act now to safeguard ourselves and our families and we all have a duty of care to our older and vulnerable residents.

"We know these are very difficult times for everyone, it’s impacting on our lives and our economy, but we can’t stress how vital it is we redouble our efforts and all follow these national measures to protect each other."

The seven-day incident rate in Dudley borough is now 213.3 per 100,000 with 686 recorded cases from 17 to October 23.

Bal Kaur, Dudley’s director of Public Health added:

"We all have a role to play in protecting each other from coronavirus. “We’d previously asked residents to voluntarily avoid social mixing in other people’s homes to help curb the spread of the virus, but this is now mandatory under the tier two measures.

"I would urge everyone to continue following health guidelines and make themselves aware of the new measures so we can work together and stop the spread of coronavirus in our borough. “Wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering over your nose and mouth. If you have symptoms you must self isolate and get tested."

Anyone with any of the main symptoms of coronavirus infection – a new cough, fever, loss or change of taste or smell – must not leave their home except to get a coronavirus test. There are now two local walk-through test sites - in central Dudley and Lye. To book a test visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.

Anyone with a positive test must stay at home for at least ten days from the start of symptoms. If symptoms get worse people should call NHS 111, or in case of a medical emergency, 999.

Anyone identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19 must stay at home for fourteen days. This is essential to prevent the virus from being passed on.

By downloading the covid-19 app residents can help the NHS trace cases and manage outbreaks. Visit covid19.nhs.uk

People can view the latest coronavirus guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and can see Dudley Council’s response to the pandemic, including help and support available, at www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus

The new tier restrictions come into force from 00.01 Saturday October 31.