Latest figures show there were an average of 16.03 cases per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over seven days up to 17 August, up from 14.04 cases per 100,000 people the week before.
Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health John Denley said: "The increase in cases in Wolverhampton over the last week should act as warning to us all that Covid-19 remains prevalent in the city and can quickly and easily spread from one person to another.
"Clearly, as more of the country opens up and we are able to do more of the things we used to do, the risk of transmission increases – and so we must re-double our efforts to stop the virus in its tracks.
"What is particularly noticeable is how easy it is for the virus to spread from household to household, which is the primary cause of the increase in cases in Wolverhampton.
“That's why it's really important that we all continue to follow the social distancing guidance when we meet up with people who are not members of our own household or bubble, we wear face coverings in enclosed spaces and we regularly wash our hands for at least 20 seconds.
“In particular people need to stay home if they or any of their household has symptoms of Covid-19, and book a test as soon as possible.
“By doing all this, you will be protecting yourself, your family and the wider community and helping us avoid a local lockdown.”
Government guidance states that people should not socialise indoors in groups of more than two households – anyone in your support bubble counts as one household – including when going to a pub or restaurant.
People should not socialise outdoors in a group of more than 6 from different households. Gatherings larger than 6 should only take place if everyone is exclusively from 2 households or support bubbles.
People should book a test if they have symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild. These include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
John added: "The test is quick and free and, combined with the Test and Trace programme, will enable us to track the spread of the virus, identify trends early on and better tackle potential outbreaks; this in turn will help us avoid having to go into lockdown again."
People with symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild, should immediately self-isolate and book a test by visiting NHS or calling 119..
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will be asked to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
