Statement from the Mayor of the West Midlands on the new restrictions affecting Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull

Birmingham: Reacting to the Secretary of State for Health’s announcement of additional restrictions affecting Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street commented:

“I firmly agree with the Government’s decision to introduce additional restrictions in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull. This carefully considered decision has been based on the latest data about Covid-19 infections in each part of our region and – crucially – the latest understanding of the causes of transmission. The restrictions being introduced are designed to address the causes of transmission head on.

“It’s vital that we all do our utmost to keep control of this awful virus, and ensure our efforts over the past few months are not wasted. If we step up our fight against this virus in the ways proposed we can continue the gradual return to other aspects of normal life. Children can keep going to school, and more people can return to work safely.

“If we don’t do this now, we risk more loss of life, even stricter measures in future, and more job losses. So whilst not seeing family and friends is tough, we must think of them, our responsibility to them, and to the whole community. If we all come together to follow the new rules in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, we can defeat the virus, save lives, and protect livelihoods.

“And let’s not forget all the hard work our NHS, emergency services, carers, public health officials and council staff do across the region. They are working tirelessly to win the battle against this virus. So let’s continue to give them our support – by all playing our part.

“That means continuing to wash our hands, wearing face coverings when required and observing social distance from others as well as following the new rules that apply in each area.”