Coronavirus: New restrictions in place for parts of West Midlands

New lockdown measures have taken effect in the West Midlands after the number of coronavirus cases surged.

People in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull are prohibited from meeting other people who are not part of their home or bubble of support, in homes or gardens.

It also comes after the Birmingham council leader said on Friday that the “relentless” virus had not “weakened.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has warned people to comply with the new restrictions or face even tougher measures.

“Everyone now has to comply with these to give us the best chance.”

Birmingham City Council said people were still allowed to go out to shops, restaurants and other places, in a maximum group of six from more than one household, but told people to be “vigilant.”

Solihull MP Julian Knight has called for a relaxation on the rule, while Dr Justin Varney, Birmingham City Council’s director of public health, acknowledged the problem and said they were “working on it.”

“This is a problem not just for Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, but for Bolton, in Greater Manchester, everywhere with the restrictions they have exactly the same problems, with the way the exemption has been written, it prevents members of the family provide childcare and that is having a significant impact on many families, “he said.

“The leaders and the councils are talking to each other to send a letter hopefully later today to the government to ask for that exemption.”

West Midlands Police Chief Dave Thompson said he understood it had been a “difficult time” but urged people to act responsibly.

He said the officers will aim to “educate and encourage compliance” with the restrictions and will focus efforts on “disrupting blatant violations, such as large gatherings.”

Council leader Ian Ward said the data shows that “the infection rate has increased primarily due to social interactions, particularly private family gatherings.”

Figures show that Birmingham’s case rate per 100,000 for the week of September 11 was 82, for Solihull the figure was 71.2 and Sandwell was 64.2.