Restrictions to remain in place as Covid case numbers rise

Most of the coronavirus restrictions currently in place in Wolverhampton will remain in effect until at least 19 July, the Government announced last night.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would not be possible to move to step four of the road map out of lockdown next week as hoped, and that the current measures would remain in force for a further four weeks. A review will take place in a fortnight’s time.

It means that:

• Limits remain on the number of people who can mix indoors (up to six individuals, or two households) and outdoors (up to 30 individuals), and the number of people who can attend sporting events
• Pubs, restaurants, clubs, theatres and cinemas still have to operate within capacity limits
• The number of guests at weddings will no longer be limited to 30, though venues must ensure social distancing can take place
• Face coverings remain necessary in many public places, unless individuals are exempt
• People should work from home if they can
• People must follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, even if they have had both Covid-19 vaccinations
• People must self-isolate and get a PCR test if they have symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild.

Further details about the measures in place, plus frequently asked questions and answers, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "This four-week delay to the planned final lifting of lockdown measures is of course disappointing, but it is also necessary given the rising case numbers which are being driven largely by the new, more transmissible, Delta variant.

"While this week’s decision means we must all live with restrictions for a little while longer, it will also provide the opportunity for many more people to get vaccinated and so give themselves the maximum possible protection against this deadly virus.

"This in turn will mean that any third wave should be much less deadly than the first and second waves earlier in the pandemic."

Latest figures show 105 people in Wolverhampton city tested positive for Covid-19 virus in week ending 12 June, though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

Councillor Jaspal added: “Case numbers here, as elsewhere, have risen noticeably over the last month – indeed, rates in Wolverhampton have tripled in three weeks – so we must all step up our efforts to stop the spread of the virus and help Wolverhampton avoid the worst of a third wave.
“Please continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, and make sure you have a free rapid Covid-19 test before you meet up with someone that you don't live with; you can do this at home or at one of our walk-in centres, it’s quick and easy and you’ll have your result inside 30 minutes.

“Remember, too, that if you develop symptoms of coronavirus, no matter how mild, you must self-isolate and book at PCR test.

"And when it is your turn, please get both doses of your Covid-19 jab, because without being fully vaccinated you and your loved ones are still vulnerable.”