CASES of coronavirus in Dudley have risen sharply in the last week, latest figures show.

According to Dudley’s Covid-19 Dashboard, 160 cases have been reported in the last seven days – compared to 110 cases recorded in the previous seven days.

The seven-day incident rate now stands at 49.8 cases per 100,000 people, according to new figures published today (Monday September 28), compared to 34.2 cases per 100,000 people in the previous seven days.

A total of 20 cases were recorded in one day on September 18 – the last time that many cases were reported in one day was May 17 when the national coronavirus lockdown was in full swing.

Dudley’s health chiefs have not yet commented on the figures – but just a few days ago leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, urged people in the Dudley borough to follow the rules or face tougher local restrictions.

He urged people to take ‘every precaution’ to help prevent the spread of the disease – reiterating that people should stay two metres away from others where possible, avoid crowds, wear a face covering when shopping, in enclosed spaces and on public transport – and to always wash hands regularly.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “We are continuing to see a rise in the rates in Dudley borough which is why we are continuously highlighting the importance of following the government rules on washing hands, wearing face coverings wherever possible and socially distancing.

"I cannot stress enough how important it is that we all work together to tackle this virus.

"Our rates are amongst the lowest in West Midlands but it is vital people remain cautious and do all they can to protect themselves, their family and friends.”

Residents have also been urged to download the new Covid-19 app to help the NHS trace cases and manage outbreaks.

Nearly 1,000 cases (933) of the virus have been reported in the Black Country in the last seven days - compared to 643 in the previous seven days, and in the wider West Midlands region 3,989 cases have been recorded in the last seven days - compared to 2,723 in the previous seven days.