Dudley in lockdown: Closures 'vital' to stop rising cases
The closing down of services and venues in Dudley is necessary if the borough stands any chance of bringing the number of Covid-19 cases down, a leader has said.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said while cases are no as high in the borough as they are elsewhere in the Black Country and West Midlands, the number will rise if people are not careful.
It comes as the second national lockdown came into force yesterday, with previously bustling high streets and shopping centres now empty.
He said: ""In the last eight months Dudley residents have shown resolve in the face of the virus and helped keep the number of cases lower here compared to other parts of the Black Country and wider West Midlands region. But we’ve reached that point again when we all need to dig deep and pull together for the greater good.
More Covid-19 coverage:
"The restrictions to our daily lives and the closure of services and venues will come as a blow to many, but they are necessary if we stand any chance of bringing the number of cases down and reducing pressures on our NHS services.
"People can still enjoy the borough’s parks and open spaces, but I urge them to do so safely, following the latest restrictions and remembering social distancing guidelines at all times.
"Above all, we need to stay safe, protect one another and do what we can to stop this virus in its tracks."
Across the area, Dudley, Halesowen and Crystal leisure centres have closed, as well as the Dell Stadium, Dudley Museum at the Archives, the Red House Glass Cone and Sycamore Adventure.
The dementia gateways, Queens Cross Network, Assisted Living Centre, Dudley Carers Hub and the Unicorn Centre have also closed. And Himley Hall will be closed, but people will still be able to access the grounds for exercise.
Other leaders in the Black Country are also issuing stark warnings to locals.
More than 100 people are testing positive for coronavirus in neighbouring Wolverhampton every day, with council leader Ian Brookfield saying there had been a "huge increase" which was still on the rise.
He said: "Make no mistake, the situation is serious. Despite the sacrifices we’ve all made to try and suppress Covid-19, we now find ourselves in a similar position to the one we were in back in March and April. If we don’t act now, more people will die and our NHS will be overwhelmed."
