THERE has been an increase in Covid cases in the Dudley borough, with currently 33.9 cases per 100,000 residents - a 67.8% increase compared to figures recorded four weeks ago.

There are particularly high rates in Halesowen, Brierley Hill and Kingswinford South areas and the delta variant now being in Dudley believed to be 40 percent more infectious.

The largest number of cases is in the 10 to 19 age group with the second largest number of cases being in the 30 to 39 age group.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "We are at a pivotal point in our fight against the pandemic and, despite the amazing progress we are making with the vaccine rollout, Covid-19 continues to present us with huge challenges.

"We need to do all we can to help us stay on track with the road map and I recognise how badly everyone wants their normal everyday activities such as going to the pub, meeting friends and family and playing sport, to continue.

"Vaccination is going well in Dudley borough, but we need to do more and the most important action we can take is to get our vaccine when offered. By distancing where possible, wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, reducing social contact where possible, and washing hands and we can all do our bit to keep rates down.

"I would also urge everyone who is not experiencing any symptoms to do lateral flow tests twice weekly from home and anyone who has any symptoms, no matter how mild, to pursue a full PCR test."

The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Dudley increased by 22 in the last 24 hours.

Public Health England figures show that 27,250 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Thursday (June 10) in Dudley, up from 27,228 the same time on Wednesday.

The health body recently changed the way it records the figures.

Cases identified through a positive lateral flow test – those which can deliver results within half an hour – will no longer be counted if the person then takes a PCR test, which is sent to a lab to be checked, and receives a negative result within three days.

These cases are now being removed daily.

Dudley Council is working with partners to help fight the virus and people can take advantage of a number of ‘pop-up’ sites offering testing advice, testing kits and help with getting a Covid jab.

Pop-up stalls will be at Stourbridge Ryemarket from Monday 14 to Friday June 18, Dudley Churchill Precinct from Monday 21 to Friday June 25 and Brierley Hill Market on Tuesday June 29 and Thursday 1 and Friday July 2.