Coronavirus latest information

Last reviewed: Sunday 24 January 2021 at 5.15pm

National lockdown: stay at home

The government has announced a national lockdown from the 5th January 2021 and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

  • You must stay at home. This is the single most important action we can all take to protect the NHS and save lives.
  • You must not leave your home unless necessary.
  • Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or bubble.

Full details of the restrictions can be found here.

COVID-19 the current state: 509 cases per 100,000 people in the latest week 12 Jan - 18 Jan. This information is current at date of publication, however, please note that the number of new cases is currently subject to rapid change.

Our COVID-19 summary shows the total number of Solihull residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and gives a breakdown of cases by ward.

It also give other relevant information including about the number of cases in schools in the last 14 days and the number of patients in hospital.

For the latest COVID-19 updates:

Updates

Please see our schools webpage for the latest details.

During lockdown we are prioritising asymptomatic testing of critical (key) workers at our local testing sites.

You need to book an appointment to visit one of our sites to get a rapid COVID test. (No walk-in appointments are available).

If you have COVID symptoms:

  • Book a test via the online national booking system here or by phoning 119 to access a test (local sites include Monkspath Mobile Testing Unit and Birmingham Airport).

If you DO NOT have COVID symptoms and are a critical worker who:

  • Lives or works in Solihull
  • Are unable to work from home
  • Do not already receive regular testing through your employer
  • Are aged 16 or over 

You should book a test through the link below. 

Appointment slots are approximately 20 minutes.

Appointments are per person - please attend the appointment alone unless you need support from another adult.

IMPORTANT - This service is only for people aged 16 or over.  

Book a COVID-19 test

If there are no available slots, please check again later in the day.

When visiting the test centre

Please use the hand sanitisation stations provided in front of the entrance, within the waiting area and as you exit from the building. You will be required to use these when you arrive and when you leave the building.

You must wear an appropriate face covering when in the building. If you do not have one, you will be provided with one. There is a one-way entry and exit system and you will be invited into the building a few minutes before your appointment.

Should you test positive, the national contact tracing team will be in touch to help identify who you have recently been in close contact with, because they may also be at risk of infection. The local public health team may also follow up positive cases to establish close contact situations should the national team be unable to contact you.

Parking is limited at all sites. Parking is permitted on some local highways, but please consider local residents and parking restrictions.

Testing sites

For the latest information about our testing sites, please visit this page.

For the latest information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine in Solihull and Birmingham please visit the local vaccine website here.

The website includes information about vaccination centres and what to expect at the appointment as well as frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

After reviewing the evidence, the Government has today (Monday 14th Dec.) announced that we can reduce the number of days that contacts self-isolate from 14 days to 10 days. The change to the isolation period for contacts will apply to all those who are currently self-isolating including those who commenced self-isolation before Monday 14th December.

Self-isolation periods will begin on the day after exposure, a test or the start of symptoms.The NHS Test and Trace service will tell people to self-isolate for 10 days instead of 14 days from Monday. 

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone who tests positive must self-isolate at home. This can save lives. You can read the full guidance from the government on self-isolation here and it's covered in our FAQs here.

The Government has recently announced a further range of funding packages to support businesses impacted by Covid-19. Further information on eligibility for each of our grant schemes and how to apply is available here.

Find help and support

The latest advice for businesses can be found here:

Germ Defence is a scientifically tested digital intervention created by the University of Southampton that has already proved to be effective at reducing the spread of cold and flu viruses. The coronavirus is caught in the same way as these other viruses, which means that the methods explained in this website can also protect people from COVID-19.

‘Germ Defence’ includes guidance and techniques for handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks, as well as advice on how to look after family and friends who are ill, but still protect yourself.

It has been demonstrated that people who used the Germ Defence advice caught less colds and flu, and recovered more quickly from these ailments. This reduction in illness also extended to the people who lived with them, leading to a lower demand for consultations with their doctors. 

Germ Defence is a free-to-access website, available at germdefence.org

We have set up an online form for customers to report businesses based in Solihull that are breaking the government's rules for coronavirus (COVID-19) safety.

If you are reporting a business that you believe should not be open, you should first read the full list of businesses and venues that must remain closed, and the exceptions that can be open at Gov.UK.

When reporting a business, we ask that you include your own details as you may be asked to provide a witness statement. Your personal details will remain confidential at all times, in line with data protection law, and will not be disclosed to the business you are reporting. 

Information for both new and established businesses within Solihull including - how food businesses can continue operating safely as many businesses have diversified or had to close rapidly, how to make your work or workplace COVID secure and how to safely manage water systems during the pandemic.

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - guides on safe shopping, takeaway & delivery, hand washing, Legionnaire’s, mental health and reopening salons and spas after lockdown.

Food Standards Agency – changing your business model, starting a food business from home, re-opening your food business etc.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – An overview on things to do to make your work or workplace COVID secure including an example of a Covid risk assessment and template.

Public Health England (PHE) - Maintaining safe water systems. For all organisations that rely on a safe water supply to undertake their business activities, particularly when re-opening after a COVID-19 lockdown.