The Government has made face coverings mandatory in shops and on public transport once again, unless people are exempt for medical reasons. They should also be worn in communal areas of universities, colleges and schools by staff, visitors and students in Year 7 and above.
People returning to Wolverhampton from abroad must take a PCR test before the end of the second day following their arrival and self-isolate until they get a negative test result, even if they are fully vaccinated.
And anyone who is a contact of someone who may have been infected with the Omicron variant must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their age or vaccination status.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “There is no doubt that the discovery of the new Omicron variant is a wake up call and a stark reminder that Covid has not gone away.
“We are closely monitoring the latest developments with the new variant and strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The most important thing any of us can do is to get the vaccine – and the booster jab if you’re eligible. We also urge people to take regular tests and wear face coverings in all busy public spaces or enclosed settings, and not just in shops and on public transport where it is of course now mandatory once more.
“With Christmas fast approaching, we want to make sure everyone keeps themselves and their loved ones as safe as possible – and following the guidance will help do that.”
A number of walk-in vaccination clinics are operating in Wolverhampton, including the new vaccination service on the Mander Centre (Upper Mall, Central Arcade, opposite Rymans) which is offering first, second and booster Pfizer vaccinations from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
People aged 16 and over are able to get a first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Mander site. Anyone aged 40 and over, or otherwise eligible, can also get a booster. Children aged 12 to 15 can get a single dose if they haven’t been vaccinated in school, though they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For a full list of vaccination centres, please visit Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site. To book an appointment, visit Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination or call 119.
Meanwhile, the Government is urging people without symptoms of Covid-19 to get a rapid test 'before periods of high risk', such as close contact with others in a higher risk environment, or before spending prolonged time with a more vulnerable person.
Free rapid testing, for people without symptoms of Covid-19, is available at the Civic Centre (Mondays and Thursdays, 8am to 6pm, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8am to 5pm), the Jamia Masjid Bilal, Newhampton Road (10am to 7pm, daily), New Cross Hospital (in the reception of the Maternity Unit, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) and at participating pharmacies across the city.
Alternatively, people can collect free rapid Covid-19 home test kits from the Civic Centre, the test centre at New Cross Hospital, from Bilston and Wolverhampton markets and WV Active leisure centres, or from selected local pharmacies. Please note, anyone collecting test kits from a pharmacy must register for a collection code in advance, either online at Get a collect code to pick up coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests or by calling 119.
