DUDLEY Council chiefs have unveiled plans to control and contain coronavirus in the borough, in a bid to avoid a second wave of the virus.

The plan comes after Leicester became the first area in the UK to be forced back into a full lockdown following a surge in new cases.

Data suggests six new cases were confirmed in the borough during the last week, based on positive tests from hospitals and in the community.

At the peak of the outbreak, 324 new cases were confirmed in the first week of April alone and to date Dudley has had 899 confirmed cases which is a rate of 280.4 per 100k population.

The plan, which has been published and can be read here, sets out how the local authority will identify and contain potential outbreaks in care home work places, housing complexes and schools.

It states the local authority will work closely with the Test and Trace service, the NHS and other partners to carefully monitor Covid-19 infection rates and to respond locally if needed.

Bal Kaur, director of public health in Dudley, said: "The public response to the rollout of NHS Test and Trace has been fantastic, and we continue to rely on everyone to play their part.

"We have a strong relationships with our local communities and people will be reassured that we have robust plans in place and can take action if needed to keep our residents safe.

"I would ask everyone in Dudley to continue to socially distance, wash hands thoroughly and regularly and to use a face covering when in higher risk areas such as public transport and hospital.

"If you have symptoms of the virus, a new continuous cough, high temperature or the loss or change to your sense of smell or taste you must stay at home.

"Anyone who thinks they could have virus should book a test immediately by contacting 111 and if you are contacted by the tracing service, it is vital that you follow their advice.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, added: "We have made fantastic progress in Dudley in the fight against this virus and I want to thank everyone in Dudley for playing their part in starving this fire of oxygen.

"I would ask residents to please continue to socially distance wherever possible and to enjoy the ease of lockdown with a sense of responsibility and civility as any local spike could result in lockdown action."