Stay safe and make it a Happy Easter for all

Wulfrunians are being reminded they must stay outside if they are meeting up with others this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

Changes to Covid-19 restrictions mean that up to six people from different households, or members of two whole households, can now meet up - but they must do so outside. People who don't live together must also ensure they continue to practice social distancing and stay 2m apart at all times.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director for Public Health, said: "We are getting closer and closer to beating this virus, but we cannot afford to let down our guard over the coming weeks and months; as we can see from the situation in Europe Covid-19 still poses a very real threat.

"People will be excited to meet with friends and extended family again this Easter, but it's crucial that you do so safely – that means meeting outdoors and keeping a safe distance from people you don't live with. The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors, so please remember that as we move out of lockdown.

"If you are planning on meeting up with people outside of your household, I strongly recommend you get a rapid Covid-19 test before doing so, to give you extra reassurance that you don't have the virus. This is quick and easy, and you will get your result within the hour.

“You can attend places of worship for Easter services, but that you must stay 2m apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.

"And remember that even if you have had your Covid-19 vaccine, you could still pass on the virus to others. So please don't let your guard down, even for a moment. Follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance to protect your friends and loved ones and ensure that everyone can have a safe and Happy Easter.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Beard of Wolverhampton Police said: "We appreciate that most people will continue to want to do the right thing to protect public health and the health of their loved ones and will continue to comply with the current restrictions.

"When we receive calls for alleged breaches our officers and PCSOs will positively and politely engage in conversation and through explanation or encouragement seek to resolve the breach. If we are faced with significant and blatant breaches with clearly identifiable large gatherings, people can expect to receive enforcement action."

More information on rapid testing for people without symptoms of Covid-19, including Easter opening times at the city’s test sites, is available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, including a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test – not a rapid test – by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

Latest figures show there were 56 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 29 March. That means 147 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus. For full details of the current restrictions, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert. Information about the vaccine can be found at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidvaccine.