Concern as local rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations continues

Concerns have been raised as local rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations continues despite a fall in cases.

527 new cases were reported in Shropshire during the seven-day period between 23-29 July 2021.

The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 163.1 per 100,000 

It was 269.3 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 291.0 for England 

27 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients 

1 COVID-19-related death in a local hospital 

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “The number of hospitalisations from COVID-19 has been steadily increasing locally every week and that is concerning. We need to focus on ensuring all adults over the age of 18 are double jabbed. Two doses of the vaccine gives the best protection against the virus. 

“It is positive however to see the number of cases reducing significantly during this period. We can all play our part to keep Shropshire safe this summer. Follow the six simple steps – regular hand washing, face coverings in busy places, good ventilation indoors, regular testing, double vaccination, and using the NHS app to check in. These are basic things we can all do to help stop the spread.”