A RAPID rise in coronavirus cases across the Dudley borough has led to a call for people to get the vaccine.

In the last week the number of cases in the borough has more than doubled and now stands at 123 per 100,000.

Dudley Council is urging people to get the vaccine, which it says is "the strongest defence against the virus and serious illness."

Anyone 18 or above can get their first dose of the vaccine at the vaccine van, which will be in Dudley town centre on Stone Street Square until Saturday. No appointment is necessary.

The vaccine is also available in other locations without prior appointment including JHoots Pharmacy based in Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre on Venture Way, seven days a week from 10am to 10pm.

People should also get a PCR test and self-isolate if they have symptoms and take regular symptom free lateral flow tests if they have none.

PCR testing is available at a number of sites across the borough. People must book an appointment in advance.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "I look forward to when we can say case numbers have come down and have stayed that way, but for now we have to deal with the reality of case numbers rising in our borough once again.

"We’ve been here before and we all know what we need to do.

"We must follow, hands, face, space and fresh air guidance, get the right test when we need it and importantly get the vaccine.

"We have lots of opportunities for anyone aged 18 or above to get their first dose of the vaccine this week without needing to book an appointment and people should have their second dose when it’s offered to them.

"National analysis shows the vaccines have already prevented 27,000 deaths and millions of infections.

"They are safe and they are working so if you haven’t already, please have your vaccine as soon as possible."

Further detail about testing is available at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/emergencies/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing/local-symptomatic-testing/

For more information about the vaccine bus and other locations where the vaccine is available go to - https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/grab-a-jab-at-the-vaccine-van/