Dudley Council coronavirus updates - 15 January

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The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

Play your part - protect Dudley borough

Two new coronavirus testing sites will open in the next few days to boost Dudley borough’s testing capacity. 

We are now in a national lockdown. 

To limit the spread of the virus follow all government guidance and local restrictions.

Watch Karen Wright, Dudley Council's director of public health, highlight the importance of staying at home

📲 Find the latest Dudley Covid-19 case rates via our data dashboard

Use green spaces responsibly 

People in Dudley borough are being reminded that they must stick to national lockdown rules when visiting local parks and green spaces.

Residents must not meet more than one person from another household, must always follow social distancing by remaining at least 2 metres apart and should keep travelling to a minimum.

Symptom-free Covid-19 tests

People with public facing jobs can access symptom-free lateral flow tests (LFT) at participating Dudley borough pharmacies and at Saltwells Education Centre. 

Weekend appointments are available at Saltwells.

Book a test 

Covid-19 vaccine 

You will be contacted and invited to have the Covid-19 vaccination.

❌ We would urge you not to contact your local GP enquiring about the vaccination. The practise will contact you when it's your turn to receive it.

How are Covid-19 vaccines being developed so quickly? Here are five reasons why people shouldn’t be worried.

Covid-19 doesn't take a break

If you are unable to work from home, please maintain the government’s HANDS, FACE, SPACE advice, whilst in your workplace. It’s easy to let your guard down on breaks.

Residents can download this poster as a useful reminder amongst colleagues.

Please display the poster in your staff areas and break-out rooms.

Blue Monday

Help us to turn Dudley GREEN on Monday 18 January. 

The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday and is claimed to be one of the most depressing days of the year. 

For more information on how to access support services and to download a green rainbow resource pack visit the let’s get website. 

Don't forget to use the hashtag #TurningDudleyGreen2021 on social media. 

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone 

Birmingham Clean Air Zone goes live on 1 June. This will affect Dudley residents and any Dudley business whose vehicle travels through the zone

Fostering virtual sessions

Dudley Council’s fostering team will be hosting their first virtual information session for prospective foster carers at 6pm on Thursday 28 January with further sessions scheduled

Car cruising injunction

Councils in the Black Country will return to the High Court on 27 January to seek the renewal of an injunction banning car cruising the region for a further three years.

Play area improvements

More than £50,000 is to be spent on improving a children’s play area at the park in Overfield Road - on the Russells Hall estate in Dudley

If domestic abuse means home isn’t your safe place we can help.

Get help and support by calling 01384 455411. It’s a direct line to a range of support services in the borough. 

Safe & sound 
Safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership, works together to keep Dudley a safe borough. For advice and support on a range of safety topics visit our help hub  www.dudleysafeandsound.org/help-hub  

Libraries click and collect service

Libraries across Dudley borough have re-opened to offer a click and collect service on books for residents.

Books can be ordered online. 

Dudley Council Plus closed

Customer service advisors at Dudley Council Plus are continuing to offer help and support during the latest lockdown - but are asking people not to visit them in person.

#DudleyStaysHome

Dudley Council will be issuing family e-bulletins packed full of useful information, home schooling support, tips on mental and physical wellbeing and updates on the latest pandemic guidance

To help stop the spread of coronavirus:

👏 hands – wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds

😷 face – wear a face covering in indoor settings 

↔️ space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)