Step up efforts and help stop the spread of Covid-19

With Covid-19 cases in Wolverhampton rising - driven by the new, more transmissible Delta variant - residents are being asked to step up their efforts to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

Latest figures show there were 41 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 11 June. That means 108 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – and the true number of new cases will likely be higher. In comparison, only 35 people in Wolverhampton tested positive for Covid-19 in the seven days to 21 May.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Despite everyone's best efforts - and the incredible progress of the rollout of the vaccine – Covid-19 is continuing to pose a huge threat.

"Case numbers here, as elsewhere, have risen noticably over the last month; indeed, rates in Wolverhampton have tripled in three weeks.

“The Delta variant is proving to be more contagious and that means that social gatherings, particularly indoors, remain a potential transmission point.

"For that reason, 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.

"It's also clear that in communities and areas where vaccination rates are low, infection rates are going up much faster. So, when it is your turn to get your Covid-19 jab, please make sure you do so. And please get both jabs, because without being fully vaccinated you and your loved ones are still vulnerable.”
Further details about the restrictions currently in place, plus frequently asked questions and answers, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert. 

Anyone who is aged 25 plus, or who will turn 25 before July 1, can book their appointment at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine. The vaccine is also available to the clinically extremely vulnerable, people with a learning disability, frontline health and social care workers and people in receipt of Carer's Allowance or who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person.

For more information about rapid Covid-19 testing – for people without symptoms of the virus – please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/get-tested. Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR text at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.