New coronavirus restrictions have come into force in Wolverhampton this morning to prevent households mixing.

The decision was taken after a five-fold increase in the number of cases in a fortnight.

Image source, Google

People will no longer be able to meet other households in their homes or private gardens.

The same restrictions are already in place in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, with more areas across England joining Wolverhampton today.

BBC Weather

We're forecast more sunshine today, once the mist clears, and temperatures could reach 23C (73F) in parts of the West Midlands.

But we're expecting rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

Image source, Triggy Stardust

Manchester City hold off a second-half Wolves comeback to begin their quest to regain the Premier League title with a win at Molineux.

Ezri Konsa's second-half header proves decisive as Aston Villa break down a resilient 10-man Sheffield United at Villa Park.

No arrests have yet been made by officers investigating the attack in Coventry.

Five people have been arrested for suspected drugs offences by officers acting on a warrant at an address in Leamington Spa.

Image source, Warwickshire Police

Suspected class A drugs were seized from the property on Gordon Street during the raid at about 09:50.

Four men aged from 21 to 50 were arrested along with a 50-year-old woman.

They all remain in custody, said Warwickshire Police.

James Rowley admitted manslaughter and dangerous driving over Joe Higgins's death.

A year group at a Coventry school has been asked to self-isolate, the city council has confirmed.

Blue Coat School has asked all year eight pupils as well as a number of contacts in year 12 to stay at home from today, following a positive test, it said.

“The school has robust procedures in place and has taken all of the necessary steps working alongside the council’s education and public health teams as well as Pubic Health England,” it said in a statement.

Two year groups at a primary special school in the West Midlands are continuing to isolate after two members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Image source, Google

A first case of coronavirus was diagnosed in a staff member at Langley School, on 4 September.

A second member of staff was subsequently diagnosed, and after discussions with Public Health England (PHE) the school took the decision that years five and six should be sent home to self-isolate until 23 September.

It's thought the cases are not linked, and both are thought to have caught the virus via community transmission, said PHE.

People in affected areas will be allowed to look after children from outside their households.

Families in the West Midlands say they are "over the moon" at the news that restrictions on families providing childcare will be lifted.

Earlier Health Secretary Matt Hancock said an exemption would be put in place that would allow those doing informal childcare - often grandparents - to continue doing so.

Michelle McDaid, a mother-of-two from Solihull, relies on her parents to care for her younger son Alfred, two, while she works.

"It is amazing, it will make my life so much easier," she said.

Image source, Michelle McDaid

She said her children and their grandparents had "missed each other terribly" since the restrictions were put in place.

She had been working over the weekend in order to free her usual working days to look after her son.

"It has been a juggling act this past week trying to fit work in where I can," she said.

Amanda Leek, 52, from Sandwell, who cares for her five-year-old grandson after school, said it was "fantastic".

"My daughter had made arrangements at work," she said.

"But it was looking into long term and how we were going to cope, there was just no way around it."

However, Mrs Leek was worried about any possible nationwide restrictions being brought in which might affect the over 50s, but said she would be "keeping her fingers crossed" that would not be the case.

Birmingham City sign former Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose on a free transfer.

The government has announced it will be lifting restrictions on families providing childcare - introduced as part of measures aimed at reducing coronavirus rates.

Households in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell have not been able to mix since last Tuesday, with the measures set to be introduced in Wolverhampton tomorrow.

Concerns had been raised that grandparents in particular would not be able to help with childcare arrangements within those local lockdown areas.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had heard the "concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements".

"So, today I'm able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 or vulnerable adults where that is necessary for caring purposes.

"This covers both formal and informal arrangements.

"It does not allow for play-dates or parties, but it does mean that consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed."

Officers are investigating a suspected arson attack at a park in Rugby.

It's believed the fire was started in a wheelie bin that had been placed in the middle of a wooden play area at Millennium Park in the town.

Officers patroling the area discovered the fire in the early hours of Sunday.

The fire caused "extensive" damage, said Warwickshire Police.

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings signs a contract extension with the club until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Families share a personal insight into the lives of those who died in the Manchester Arena bombing.

Fenton Manor sports complex is among four venues being used to help boost national capacity.

A man has suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in Oldbury.

The man was treated at the scene in Kempsey Close shortly before 20:20 on Sunday, the ambulance service said.

A second man was also taken to hospital suffering minor injuries.

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester

Five towns in the West Midlands are set to get more than £8m of government cash to help them make the most of their heritage.

The funding from Historic England will be used to encourage visitors and help local businesses to improve footfall during these tough times on the high street.

Image source, Google

Towns in line for funding:

• Brierley Hill
• Leominster
• Oswestry
• Stoke town
• Wednesbury

In Leominster (pictured above), the cash will be used to restore shop fronts and buildings, and create a heritage app.

There's also a chance to get match funding to improve the town's roads, pavements and public areas.

During the pandemic, community musicians have been helping people with dementia feel less isolated.