Coronavirus latest information

Last reviewed: Wednesday 3 March 2021 at 3.45pm

National lockdown: stay at home

The government has announced a national lockdown from the 5 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: 83 cases per 100,000 people in the latest week 20 Feb-26 Feb. 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:

Easing of lockdown

The government has published ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England. This explains how the restrictions will be lifted over time.

From 8 March, some of the rules on what you can and cannot do will be changing. Find out what they include here.

No further significant changes will be made on 8 March and restrictions requiring you to stay at home will remain in place. Later changes, including from 29 March, are set out in the roadmap.

Although this news is welcome, everyone still needs to play their part by following the current rules and guidance. If we don’t do this, the relaxation of rules is less likely to happen. Only by working together can we make a difference and reduce the spread of coronavirus in Solihull.

Updates

The British Society for Immunology has launched a free, easy to read guide to vaccinations for COVID-19 for the public and healthcare workers. The guide explains how vaccines work and answers common questions as well as providing up-to-date information on the current approved COVID-19 vaccinations in the UK. Content highlights include:

  • What are COVID-19 vaccines made of?
  • Do I need two doses of the vaccine?
  • After COVID-19 vaccination, can I still pass the SARS-CoV-2 virus on to others?
  • Specific information about Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines

You can read the full guide here.

Please see our schools webpage for the latest details.

You can book a test by visiting our COVID-19 test page.

Vaccination appointments available for residents aged 60 and over

Any Solihull resident aged 60 or over, who has not yet received a letter, text message or phone call from the NHS inviting them for their first vaccine dose, can use the link below to book an appointment:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Alternatively, you can call 119.

The appointments available using this link are offered at the local mass vaccination centres in Birmingham (Millennium Point, Villa Park and the Al Abbas Islamic Centre in Balsall Heath).

Residents are also welcome to wait to receive an invitation from their GP practice to get their vaccination, if they prefer.

Find out more about who is eligible to have a coronavirus vaccination.

Social care providers

If you are a provider of social care services in Solihull and want to talk to the Council about the vaccination arrangements for your eligible social care staff please contact us via our dedicated email covidvaccine@solihull.gov.uk 

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. 

Workplace posters

Employers are encouraged to promote COVID-19 testing, below you can find a range of sector posters that can be displayed around your workplace.

  • Commercial Cleaner A4, A3
  • Construction Worker A4, A3
  • Delivery Person A4, A3
  • Factory Worker A4, A3
  • Nursery Teacher A4, A3
  • Retail Assistant A4, A3
  • Taxi Driver A4, A3
  • Trade Person A4, A3

For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or "long COVID".

We spoke to residents of the West Midlands about their experiences with COVID-19 and the long-term effects on their health.

Andrew:

Shannon:

Read more about long COVID on the NHS website.