Lots of coronavirus cases 'coming from noisy workplaces' in Black Country
A lot of coronavirus cases in Sandwell are still coming from noisy workplaces where it's hard to socially distance and still hear each other, a council chief has warned.
Deputy council leader Maria Crompton said it was difficult for factory workers to keep their distance and properly hear each other.
It has led to her urging people to remain as vigilant as people as the number of virus-related hospitals admissions fell in the borough.
Councillor Crompton said: "Numbers are going down slowly and things are improving, but people do still need to be very very careful.
"A lot of the cases are still coming from the workplace at the moment because Sandwell has got twice as many people who have to work in packaging, food places and engineering places – where things are loud.
"So they try to social distance but they can't hear each other properly, so they move closer and closer. They're trying to do the right but they they're getting closer and closer [and breaking social distancing].
"But the positive thing is that the numbers are coming down, but they are still far too high than what we need them to be. People need to be careful at work and when they get home they need to wash their hands and change their clothes so they're not bringing anything in with them."
Councillor Crompton also urged people to avoid crowded shops – and not enter if they don't feel comfortable. People should wear their faces masks and wash their hands regularly – and keep their distance.
It comes after NHS data revealed the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs Sandwell General Hospital and Birmingham City Hospital – was caring for 374 patients as of February 2.
It is down from 424 on the same day the previous week. A total of 266 patients were admitted to hospital in the week to January 31, which was down from 327 in the previous seven days.
