Covid infection cases fall but infection still high in Shropshire

The number of coronavirus cases has fallen in Shropshire but the infection rate is still high.

Latest data from 1-7th October shows 1,376 new cases were reported in the county - a decrease of 13% on the previous week.

The 7-day infection rate in Shropshire was 422.8 per 100,000.

Public Health confirmed 30 hospital beds were occupied by Covid-19 patients and there were 5 covid related deaths in a local hospital.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “The number of positive cases has fallen slightly again, but the rate of infection remains very high in Shropshire. There is still widespread community transmission, particularly in schools where we are currently dealing with 81 schools who have had two or more linked cases. We continue to work closely with schools to try and minimise the spread of the virus. I have also written to every school in the county encouraging headteachers to reintroduce measures to minimise the spread of the virus. 

“Sadly, during this period there were five COVID-19-related deaths in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals. With more people socialising now restrictions have eased, viruses like coronavirus and the flu will have greater opportunity to spread this winter. The NHS is already under enormous pressure so please do whatever you can to keep yourself fit and healthy. 

“This year it’s more important than ever to protect yourself by getting the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine if you are eligible. Basic measures like hands-face-space-fresh air will also help.”