Coronavirus: Update (Wed 29 July 5pm) on outbreak at the Long Lane caravan site in Craven Arms

Shropshire Council and Public Health England (PHE) Midlands continue to work with key partners to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Long Lane travellers site in Craven Arms. The total number of positive cases linked to the outbreak is now 25. Testing is still available to all residents at the site.

We continue to arrange food and essential supplies for residents during the ongoing period of isolation. Several residents have completed their period of self-isolation and are able to leave the site. We want to reiterate that the risk to the public is low, and encourage everyone to play their part by continuing to follow the Government guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission.

As an additional measure, if you are a resident of Craven Arms, regardless of whether you have COVID-19 symptoms, testing is available. A test site at Craven Arms Business Park is open every day from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Craven Arms residents can book an appointment via NHS Test and Trace online or by ringing 119.

Drop in testing sessions will be available in two locations this Friday (31 July). No prior booking is required:

• Drive-through at the Craven Arms Business Park testing site (Highways depot) from 10.30am – 3.30pm
• Walk-in at the Halo Community Centre: 10.30am – 1.30pm

A poster and more information can be found here.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health said:

“We recognise there has been a level of anxiety within the wider Craven Arms community and that’s why we are offering local people the opportunity to get tested

“The best way to do this is by contacting the NHS; however, people can also attend the mobile testing unit this Friday without an appointment.

“A face covering will need to be worn, and social distancing must also be followed at all times when at the site.

“Wherever a case of COVID-19 is confirmed, close contacts of the case are identified and followed up through Test and Trace. This includes anyone who may have come into contact with confirmed cases within the local community.”

Lee Chapman, a local Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, and Chair of Shropshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board, added:

“I cannot praise the local community enough for the understanding and support they have shown during this outbreak. The risk to the Craven Arms community is still very low, and at this stage in the pandemic we still expect to see more outbreaks as the virus continues to circulate within communities both locally and across the West Midlands, as well as nationally

“I would like to remind everybody that it is important to wash your hands, maintain social distancing and to wear a face covering to help protect others.”

As of today (Wednesday 29 July 5pm):

• To date 47 people have been tested on the site and all contact tracing is being undertaken.

Community support

Shropshire Council’s Community Reassurance Team (CRT) continue to work with the residents and local businesses to offer support.

David Evans, a local Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:-

“Craven Arms is still open for business and we want residents and visitors to enjoy everything our wonderful town has to offer. Our Shropshire Hills are part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and everyone who visits our community will be guaranteed a warm welcome.

“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly.

“I am pleased that drop-in testing sessions are being offered to residents. As well as making it easier for people to get a test, it will also help Shropshire Council and Public Health England gain further insight into the local situation.”

Shropshire Council’s public health team would also like to remind everyone to follow social distancing advice to reduce their social interaction with other people. Good hand hygiene remains the best protection against the virus, including washing your hands more regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, wearing a face covering when using public transport or going to the shops and supermarkets, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

More information about coronavirus, testing, self-isolation, and social distancing is available from the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Further information

For media

We will be providing daily updates on the current situation at Craven Arms on our Newsroom and on social media. If there are no updates posted on Newsroom, this means there is nothing to report on that day.

We will endeavour to respond to your enquiries.

Further information

People who have been tested positive must isolate for a minimum of 7 days, or until they are 48 hours without a fever (raised temperature), whichever is the longest.

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance from people not in your household (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
• Wear face coverings on public transport and when going to the shops and supermarkets and in other close settings where possible.

Read more about what you can and cannot do here.

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