Dudley Council coronavirus updates - September 18

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council sent this bulletin at 18-09-2020 04:39 PM BST

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Keep up to date with latest coronavirus advice and
how it affects council services

Find out the latest government guidance

Residents asked to protect their friends and family

The leader of Dudley Council has issued a stark warning (September 15), after recorded Covid-19 cases almost doubled in the borough last week.

Residents are being called upon to reduce household transmission by staying apart wherever possible. Under the government’s ‘rule of six’, which came into force last week, it is now illegal for people anywhere in the country to meet in groups of more than six, indoors or outside.

Everyone should:

Practice social distancing when they are with anyone who is not a member of their household or support bubble (from September 14), it is illegal to meet in groups of more than six indoors or outside, with some exceptions).
Wear a face covering in enclosed public places like shops and on public transport, unless they are exempt on medical grounds.
Thoroughly clean frequently touched areas in the home or at work.
Continue to wash their hands more regularly with soap, for 20 seconds at a time.

Dudley residents asked to seek test only when needed

Borough residents should only seek a Covid-19 test when necessary.

Cases in Dudley borough have increased from the previous week, in line with national and regional trends and the council is stressing the need to preserve test availability for those who need it the most.

People should not automatically get tested when they have returned from abroad, are about to travel, are returning to the workplace, when they have been in contact with a confirmed case or when living with someone who has symptoms. Residents may be advised to isolate if they have been in contact with a confirmed case but they should only get a test if symptomatic.

Tests can be booked online or by calling 119.

People can find the government’s latest advice on coronavirus, including symptoms and when to seek a test, at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Messages from community leaders

Key community figures across the borough have come together with a clear message to residents to play their part and avoid a local lockdown.

In a series of video messages, which will be shared on social media, residents are urged to follow government guidelines including wearing face masks and following social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The videos feature a local Imam, the Bishop of Dudley, a local GP and a Dudley borough resident who has been shielding due to coronavirus.

Watch the videos on the council's YouTube channel.

The Big Switch

Residents could save on their winter fuel bills if they take part in the latest round of Dudley Council’s energy saving Big Switch scheme.

The Big Switch has been running for several years and growing in popularity as a result of the great savings that can be made on home gas and electricity bills.

Energy bill savings of up to £500 a year are typically made when registering for the Big Switch and market leading deals are on offer, not available elsewhere.

The Big Switch is open to all householders, including people living in rented accommodation, those with a prepayment meter and people with a fuel debt of up to £500 or less.

To register with Dudley’s Big Switch, visit the council’s website or call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.

Better Health

Kickstart your health

Your health matters. The Better Health campaign can help you improve your wellbeing by making healthier lifestyle choices. You'll find the tools and support you need to quit smoking, get active, and lose weight.

There has never been a better time to kickstart your health.

Visit: www.nhs.uk/better-health

Antiques & collectors fair

Himley Hall and Park is hosting another outdoor antiques and collectors fair on 20 September. Admission £2, under 16s free. Don't forget to check for updates before setting out

Funding thumbs up for green space

A newly-formed residents group is celebrating after being given the ‘thumbs up’ for £5,000 funding to spruce up a beauty spot in Pensnett

Primary school praised

St Mark’s C of E Primary School in Pensnett in Dudley has been highlighted in a national report for its excellent work in helping parents and children prepare to go back after lockdown

Black Country Food Bank

Dudley borough residents and schools are encouraged to donate food or funds to support the Black Country Foodbank during Harvest due to increased demand during the pandemic

Shell Corner improvements

Up to £60,000 is to be spent on improvements to an area of Halesowen from a cash pot funded by developers building in the borough

John Bishop heading to Dudley

TV comic John Bishop is bringing his eagerly awaited new stand-up show to Dudley next year at Dudley Town Hall on Tuesday October 5 2021

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For all other queries contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or email dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk