South African variant of Covid-19 is 'very serious threat' for Black Country

Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health in Sandwell, said work is already underway to try to quickly contain the virus if discovered in the borough.

It comes as the variant, which was discovered in Walsall, has spread to Birmingham with health bosses saying the new strain is more transmittable.

Dr McNally said: "News of the new variant emerging in our region is a real concern. Within 24 hours of hearing about the case in Walsall, our Public Health team put systems in place to help detect possible cases of the new variant in our area.

"We also established health protection processes aimed at quickly containing the new variant if and when we find it. We are still learning about this new variant, but it’s already clear that it represents a very serious threat.

"The new variants of the virus mean that it’s more important than ever to self-isolate when we need to. We must self-isolate when we have Covid-19 symptoms, test positive, or have been in contact with an infected person. Failing to self-isolate can have fatal consequences for others, including family, friends or co-workers.

"Most people do self-isolate when instructed to. But a minority don’t, despite the fact that they could cause serious illness or death.

"This is why we need to protect ourselves and our families. We should stay home as much as we can. If we do need to leave home for work or essential shopping, we should stay at least two metres away from others, wear a face covering and keep washing our hands."

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Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton added: "I would ask everyone to think of their loved ones and do all they can to prevent transmission of the virus. Self-isolating when we need to is absolutely essential to help protect others and save lives."

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and adult social care, said it was "now more important than ever" for those with symptoms to self isolate.

He said: “It is important we identify any cases of this new variant as soon as possible and people isolate immediately.

“If you have Covid symptoms and you or someone you’ve been in contact with has travelled to South Africa in the last four weeks, including just passing through the country to get to another destination, or you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the South African variant, please get in touch with us immediately.

“We are working to ensure that the welfare support is available to people who need to isolate and may find this difficult.

“With vaccines rolling out we are at a crucial stage in the fight against the virus and it would be devastating to suffer another surge that set everything back again at this point.

“It’s now more important than ever that anyone with symptoms immediately self-isolates at home, along with the members of their household, and books a test. Call 119 or book online at nhs.uk/coronavirus."