DUDLEY will move into tier 3 restrictions when the country comes out of national lockdown on December 2.

Tier 3, very high alert, is for areas with very high or rapidly rising level of infections, the restrictions will cover the entire Birmingham and Black Country region, which continues to experience high numbers of Covid-19 cases.

Dudley borough currently has the highest figures the region, despite seeing a slight reduction over the last 12 days, and residents are being urged to continue to be very careful during and after the national lockdown.

The borough recorded 387 cases per 100,000 in the seven-day period ending the 23 November. This is down from 575 per 100,000 in the seven-day period ending on 14 November.

Tier 3 area must operate under the follow guidelines and restrictions:

  • People must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with or is not in their support bubble. This includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.

 

  • People must not socialise in a group of more than six in permitted public spaces, such as parks and countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility.

 

  • Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must remain closed but they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway or delivery.

 

  • Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses will only be open to people staying for work or main residence.

 

  • Indoor entertainment, tourist venues, indoor attractions and entertainment venues must close.

 

  • Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close.

 

  • Wedding and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events.

People can access testing seven days a week and residents are reminded to seek a test whenever they become symptomatic.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "Residents and businesses continue to make huge personal and financial sacrifices during the pandemic, and I want to thank everyone for playing their part.

"We know today’s announcement will bring frustration to many people in our borough and I am personally disappointed that the decision does not reflect the substantial reduction in our Covid-19 cases we have seen in recent days.

"I will be urging the government to continually review the situation and stand by their promises to take another look in two weeks’ time. In the meantime it’s vital that we all continue to follow the government restrictions and everyone who can download the Covid-19 app should do so.

"By continuing to take personal and collective action we can help to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus and give ourselves the best chance of seeing our nearest and dearest over the Christmas period.

"Anyone who is personally or financially affected by pandemic can receive ongoing help and support from the council by calling our helpline."

Help is available to those who are self-isolating, may be feeling lonely or isolated, are unable to leave their home, or struggling financially due to the pandemic. People can call 0300 3302 152 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.