Sandwell Council

Covid-19 targeted testing and Sandwell remembers HRH Prince Philip

Sandwell Council sent this bulletin at 16-04-2021 03:59 PM BST

Surge testing in Smethwick and Cape Hill

Extra Covid-19 testing is being carried out for people in specific streets in Smethwick/Cape Hill.

This follows a case of the variant first discovered in South Africa being identified in the area.

Everyone aged 16+ in these postcodes who does not have any Covid-19 symptoms - regardless of whether you have been vaccinated, if you are using rapid tests or if you have already had Covid-19 - needs to be tested.

You can get tested at the testing unit behind Smethwick Council House, High Street, Smethwick, B66 3NT, every day from 8am to 3.45pm.

If you are able to walk to the site, there is no need to book. Just turn up. If you have to drive to the site, you must book an appointment on our website.

If you have symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) you must book a test in the usual way through the Government website.

Full list of postcodes and more details

One-minute silence for the Duke of Edinburgh

Tomorrow (Saturday 17 April), the Mayor of Sandwell will be observing a one-minute silence at 3pm to pay her respects to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away last week aged 99.

The national minute’s silence will take place at the same time as the funeral is set to start.

We invite you to mark the minute's silence wherever you are.

Our online book of condolence will be closing on Monday (19 April) at 9am.

Messages of condolence will be gathered and sent to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family at a later date.

Video of service for HRH The Prince Phillip

Sandwell remembers

A Service of Civic Commemoration was held on Sunday 11 April in Sandwell to celebrate the life and public service of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, following the news of his death last week.

The Worshipful The Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Dr Ann Jaron, Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton and Chief Executive David Stevens joined other invited guests at the ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, in South Road, Smethwick.

Take a look at this short video of the Mayor's tribute.

Bin collections update

We apologise if there have been delays to the bin collections in your area. A number of properties may have received their collection later than usual.

If the bins in your road aren’t emptied today, please leave them out and crews will get to them as soon as possible.

Teams will be working to clear bins that haven’t been emptied on Saturday (17 April) and Sunday (18 April). Thank you for your ongoing patience during this time.

Have you taken part in the Sandwell Lifestyle Survey?

Whether you're an individual, family, retired or newly arrived in the area, your opinion counts.

We are keen to hear from people of all ages and in every community across Sandwell. Take our short survey and have your say.

Does that place look Covid-19 safe?

It's been nearly a week since non-essential shops, gyms, outdoor areas at restaurants and pubs, hairdressers and beauty salons started to reopen.

❌If a business isn't following Covid-19 rules, they're not looking after your health.

😟If you're worried about a shop, business, pub or restaurant not operating safely - don't go there.

⚠️If you feel uncomfortable, take yourself and your custom elsewhere.