RESIDENTS across the Dudley are urged to continue to stay alert to keep themselves, their families and others safe following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the borough over the last week.

According to Dudley's public health team, latest data shows there were 16 new cases from July 21 to 27, an average of five cases per 100,000 residents, compared to four from July 14 to 20, an average of 1.2 cases per 100,000.

Among the increase in cases there are instances of spread within family households and Dudley’s director of public health is urging people to continue to follow government guidelines to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Director of public health Bal Kaur said: "We are closely monitoring the data for Dudley and while our number of cases remains very low, we have seen a small rise over the last week, some of these within family households.

"With restrictions easing and us all now being able to see family and friends, it’s important to remember the virus has not gone away.

"It’s vital we continue to limit contact with people outside our own households or bubbles, we don’t meet in large groups and we follow social distancing and stay at two-meters away from others, where we can."

She added: "While we have seen a rise in cases, it’s important to stress this does not mean we are close to a local lockdown.

"The numbers are still low in Dudley. However, we do need everyone to continue to play their part and follow government guidance to help control the virus and save lives.”

Residents are urged to continue to stay at home as much as possible, limit contact with other people and work from home if they can.

When out and about they are urged to avoid crowds, stay two metres away from others where possible, wear a face covering on public transport, shopping or in enclosed public spaces to reduce the spread of the virus and to wash hands regularly throughout the day.

Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, new and continuous cough or a loss or change to smell and taste. Anyone showing symptoms is urged to self isolate and get a test. Tests can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 119.

People are urged to share as much information as possible if contacted by Test and Trace. Bal Kaur said: "This allows us to provide guidance to the contacts to slow the infection rate in the borough."

For the latest information on help and support for Dudley residents visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus and the latest government guidance is available online at gov.uk.