STOURBRIDGE residents have been warned to follow the Government lockdown guidance or risk facing tougher local restrictions.

While restrictions have been increased across the country this week, Dudley borough has escaped the tougher local restrictions introduced in neighbouring borough Sandwell as well as Birmingham, Solihull and now Wolverhampton.

From September 15 people in Sandwell have been banned from allowing others from outside their households into their home or garden.

The leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, said cases were rising in the borough and keeping to the rule of six was essential to prevent the same move in Dudley.

He urged residents to take ‘every precaution’ to help prevent the spread of the deadly disease in the coming days.

This includes staying two metres from others where possible and avoiding crowds; wearing a face covering when shopping or on public transport and in enclosed public spaces and washing hands regularly.

Cllr Harley said downloading the covid-19 app is "essential" to help the NHS trace cases and manage outbreaks.

He said: “While Dudley’s figures remain below those of our neighbouring authorities, it’s only through each and every one of us taking action to prevent further spread of this disease that we as a borough, can hope to stay outside of local lockdown measures.

“Household transmission has been identified as the main cause of the increase in cases in our region, so keeping to the rule of six is essential if we are to avoid being forced to introduce local restrictions across Dudley borough.

“These restrictions include being unable to mix with people from other households at home or in your garden so I urge everyone to follow the rules.

“We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of Covid, and the steps we can all take are so simple – wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering.

“These are not difficult things to do but unless we all step up and take responsibility for ourselves and our communities, we will continue to see rates increase.

"We are in this together and we need to take action together.”

There has been an increase in case rates across the Midlands with Birmingham the highest at 107.6 per 100,000 (from 79.9), then Sandwell at 81.9 (from 56.2 per 100k), Solihull at 67.9 (from 69.8 per 100k), and Wolverhampton at 55.7 cases (from 48.1) per 100k.

Dudley currently has the lowest rate in the Black Country at 35.6 cases per 100k, but this figure has jumped up from 26.8 per 100k.

Residents are reminded that they should download and use the Covid-19 app before entering most council buildings including leisure centres, libraries, museums, town halls, crematoriums and at Dudley Council House.

For all the latest government advice on Covid-19 visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus and for the latest support and information on Dudley Council’s response to the pandemic visit www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.

People can find out more about the app at www.covid19.nhs.uk