The Covid-19 infection rate is falling in Wolverhampton – and people are being urged to keep up the good work which has helped to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

Latest figures show there were 213.5 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the 7 days to 12 February, down from 887.6 per 100,000 4 weeks ago.

However, that still means 562 people in the city tested positive for the virus last week, and the true number of new cases will likely be considerably higher – so it’s imperative that people remain vigilant.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We've seen a very considerable drop in the Covid-19 infection rate over the last few weeks; that is extremely good news and is thanks to the efforts of everyone to control the virus and limit its ability to transmit in the community.

"However, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that over 500 people still tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and that there are more than 150 people currently in New Cross with this terrible virus.

"So, please, carry on doing everything you can to stop the spread of Covid-19. 

“Please continue to follow the lockdown measures which remain in place and practice Hands, Face and Space by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering where required and staying 2m apart from anyone who isn't a member of your household or bubble.

"If you develop symptoms of Covid-19, make sure you immediately self-isolate and book a test online or by calling 119. If you don't have symptoms, I would urge you to get a rapid test because we know that as many as one in three people without symptoms of Covid-19 actually have the virus, which means you could still be infectious.

"And perhaps most importantly, as soon as you are eligible for your Covid-19 vaccine, please make sure you get it – as this is the quickest way in which we are going to get out of this pandemic and back to some sense of normality.

“Please remember, however, that even after you have had the vaccine, you must continue to keep on doing everything you can to stop the spread of the virus.”

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages.

Further details of the lockdown restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at COVID Alert. More information about testing is available at Coronavirus Testing. Information about the vaccine can be found at Covid-19 Vaccine