Covid-19 - Important reminders

Covid-19 kills

Sandwell has a very high rate of COVID-19 - a potentially fatal illness. We must all do what we can to avoid infection and passing on the virus. Avoid social gatherings, keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and enclosed spaces.

An important message from Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader, to residents and business in Smethwick

Don't!

Do not have visitors to your home – even extended family and friends. Only accept essential visitors into your home such as carers.

Protect others - self isolate

If someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, or tests positive, they must isolate for at least 10 days. Everyone in the household also needs to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone who has symptoms or tests positive must their distance from the others. If you have symptoms, however mild, get tested immediately by visiting the NHS website or call 119.

Businesses, keep Sandwell safe!

All businesses have a responsibility to ensure COVID-19 safety measures are followed such as social distancing and face coverings where appropriate. Customers are advised only to use businesses that are following the rules. Businesses face being shut down if they do not. Report any concerns to the Healthy Sandwell team

World Suicide Prevention Day

This Thursday (10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day which is observed every year.

Organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Sandwell Healthy Minds offers psychological therapy services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress.

They want us to take a minute to reach out and talk to someone like a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger - this could change the course of another’s life.

Suicide Prevention requires a community, requires awareness, requires understanding and requires action. Working together, we could shift the balance and save lives.

Fancy a good read? Sandwell Libraries are here to help Despite the Covid-19 lockdown, our libraries team have been supplying eBooks and eAudiobooks, online family activity sessions to help you and your families stuck inside and we had great fun with the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Find out more about their success and to access FREE library services or to become a member

Fancy some history in the near future?

It's national Heritage Open Days from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September. And this year it's all online. Join us, as we explore Sandwell's fabulous buildings and discover the people who lived in them and their stories with historic characters, videos, blogs, photos and more.