We can't afford to drop our guard

At 13.8 per 100,000 population, the number of cases for the seven metropolitan authorities climbed slightly in the seven days up to and including 6 August, but still continues to be significantly lower than rates in the worst hit parts of the country.

The leaders of Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils met to discuss the regional picture and stressed the need for continued vigilance to reduce the risks of a further significant spike.

In particular, they urged businesses to contact Public Health England as soon as a case is identified – either confirmed or suspected – in a staff or customer.

And, looking ahead to next month when thousands of university students will be returning to study across the region, the seven council leaders said that social distancing will be key to preventing campus outbreaks.

They also stressed the importance of continuing to follow national guidance regarding social contact and events.

It remains the case that you should not:

• socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
• socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles
• interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
• hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines
• stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household)
• It is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups provided they comply with the law
• If attending a place or event that is following COVID-19 Secure guidelines, you should take care to limit your interactions with anyone outside of your group and you should continue to maintain social distancing from those that you do not live with.

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: "We all know how tough the last few months have been and everyone has sacrificed so much. But people right across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands still have a huge part to play if we're going to avoid a further lockdown and we can't afford to drop our guard now.

"We all want to keep our loved ones, our friends, neighbours and colleagues safe, so we must all continue to play our part. This really is about saving lives and that's why it's so important to keep social distancing, to wash hands frequently, wear face coverings in enclosed spaces and at the first sign of Covid-19 get a test. If we all follow these simple routines we stand a chance of controlling the virus in the West Midlands.”