COVID-19 cases remain high in Shropshire

Public health bosses in Shropshire are warning Covid-19 cases remain high in the county.

During the seven-day period between 15-21 October 2021: 

• 1,438 new cases reported 
• A decrease of 3% on the previous week 
• The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 441.9 per 100,000 
• It was 468.8 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 484.4 for England 
• 33 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients
• 2 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital 

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “The case rate has decreased slightly this week; however, the rate is still high. Once again in Shropshire, we continue to see widespread community transmission, particularly in the younger age groups.

“The vaccine rollout has now moved onto booster jabs, but if you’ve not yet had your first or second jab, there is still time. Vaccines are vital to protect yourselves, your loved ones and the NHS this winter. 

“Many of you will have noticed that there has been a change to the Lateral Flow Test kits available in Shropshire. The main differences are that you no longer need to swab your tonsils and the result will come back within 10-15 minutes. Pharmacies and libraries stock these kits, or you can collect them from Shirehall in Shrewsbury. Checking twice a week for COVID-19 is really important and will help prevent the rapid spread of the virus. 

“Lastly, please don’t forget the simple things we can all do to ‘live alongside coronavirus’ as safely as possible, like following hands-face-space-fresh air.”