Cases continue to climb in Shropshire after lockdown restrictions end

Latest figures show coronavirus cases are increasing across Shropshire.

Data from the seven-day period between 6-12 August shows 878 new cases were reported in the county  - that's a increase of 40% on the previous week.

The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 269.8 per 100,000.

20 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients  and there were 3 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital.

Shropshire’s director of public health, Rachel Robinson, said: "As expected, cases are rising again in Shropshire after restrictions were lifted last month. We have also unfortunately seen a rise in deaths this week. This is a reminder that COVID-19 is still in our communities and the importance of vaccination and good control measures."

"During this time period, six of the 20 COVID-19 patients in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals (SaTH) were in the high dependency unit or intensive care unit. Please get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to give yourself the best protection against the virus if you do catch it."

" Sadly, 3 people lost their lives to Coronavirus between 6-12 August, and I know looking at more recent data that more have died in hospital since. With this in mind, please be extra cautious going forward. Wearing face masks, social distancing, proper ventilation and good hand hygiene will help to stop the spread in Shropshire. These measures, along with regular testing and getting two doses of the vaccination, are still vitally important. Such simple steps can help to save lives."