Health and police chiefs are urging Wolverhampton residents to take extra care this Bank Holiday weekend – and help keep coronavirus infection rates in the city down.

Though the number of new Covid-19 cases in the city has remained largely stable over the last week or so, cases have risen throughout the region as lockdown measures have been relaxed.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "As we approach the final Bank Holiday weekend of what has been a summer like no other, it's incredibly important that we continue to do all we can to stop the spread of Covid-19. 

"The current cases in the city are isolated to specific households and working environments, with no evidence of a wider community outbreak at this stage. Hospital admissions for Covid-19 remain thankfully low, too. We need to keep it that way – and we all have a role to play in ensuring this happens.

“So if you are going out and about this weekend, whether that be shopping, for a drink or meal or to visit friends and family or places of interest, please remember to follow the social distancing guidance when you meet up with people who are not members of your own household or bubble.

“Please also remember to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and make sure you give your contact details to pubs and restaurants for Test and Trace purposes, too. 

“Most importantly, if you or any members of your household or bubble have symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild, please stay home, self-isolate and book a coronavirus test as soon as possible.

"We have 4 test centres located throughout Wolverhampton with a capacity to do more than 1,000 tests each and every day. The test itself is quick and free and, combined with the Test and Trace programme, will enable us to track the spread of the virus, identify trends early on and better tackle potential outbreaks.

“By doing all this, you will be protecting yourself, your family and the wider community – and help us to avoid a local lockdown.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Beard from Wolverhampton Police said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people in Wolverhampton who continue to act responsibly.

“Our officers are patrolling across our city engaging with people, explaining the restrictions and encouraging people to comply, with enforcement being used where necessary."

Latest data shows there were 12.18 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the 7 days up to 24 August, compared to 17.92 per 100,000 in the 7 days up to 17 August.

People should book a test if they have symptoms of Covid-19, including a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste, by visiting Coronavirus (COVID-19) or calling 119. Anyone who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind