John Denley, Director of Public Health, said: "Although we have seen a reduction in Covid-19 rates over the last couple of weeks, it still remains extremely high and there are still more than 100 people in hospital in Wolverhampton with Covid-19.
"The remaining Plan B restrictions are being removed this week but we should not be complacent - the pandemic is not over and we need to remain cautious to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.
"Face coverings have had an important part to play in helping reduce the spread of Covid-19 throughout the pandemic and, while legal requirements to wear them are set to go on Thursday (27 January), we are encouraging people to keep wearing them in enclosed or crowded spaces, such as in shops and on public transport, while infections remain high.
"Indeed, as a council, we are asking staff to continue to wear face coverings when they are moving around our buildings, and we would encourage other employers to consider doing the same.
"Meeting people outdoors rather than inside and getting tested regularly are also still important and, if you develop symptoms of Covid-19, please remember to stay at home and book a PCR test as soon as you can. And if you've not yet had your Covid-19 vaccination, or you are due a second dose or booster, please get it as soon as possible as this will give you the best level of protection against the virus."
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, added: "Nearly 3,000 people in Wolverhampton tested positive for Covid-19 last week and, just because the restrictions are being lifted on Thursday, it doesn't mean that the virus will suddenly vanish.
"We have all got used to wearing face coverings over the last couple of years and I would encourage residents to keep doing so in busy places for a little while longer if they can – it’s a simple thing to do and makes a big difference in helping to protect each other."
For more information on the Covid-19 Plan A measures, visit GOV.UK.
Latest figures show there were 1,115.7 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last 7 days. That means 2,934.3 people tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of cases will likely be higher.
