Coronavirus: Help avoid a local lockdown in any of Shropshire

Shropshire Council is urging all residents to act now and avoid a local lockdown in any of Shropshire, following an increase in COVID-19 cases.

In the week 1-7 September Shropshire saw a further 37 confirmed cases, and we are strongly encouraging people of all ages, particularly the younger and working age population, to continue to play their part and follow Government guidelines.

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

“As we are seeing an increase in cases locally, and local lockdowns across some of the country, I must stress how important it is for our residents to help keep Shropshire safe. The virus isn’t going away anytime soon, and we must remain vigilant.

“Some of our new cases involve young people, and we are seeing an increase of cases since pubs and bars have reopened. Most venues we have visited have excellent COVID-19-secure measures in place, but we feel people are letting their guard down and not understanding the need to social distance.

“We need to be honest with the public and ask them to act now to avoid any local lockdown.”

Council staff have been going around pubs and clubs regularly to ensure businesses and drinkers are observing social distancing measures.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“I know we all want to get back to doing the things we love. However, we cannot do that if cases continue to rise. Let’s not throw away the hard work and sacrifices made by so many of our friends, neighbours and loved ones during lockdown.

“That is why it is important that we all do our best to contain the virus and prevent ongoing spread to others.

“Everyone in Shropshire has a role to play – by getting tested if they have any symptoms, making sure they continue to socially distance, washing their hands, wearing face coverings and, from tomorrow, only meeting socially in groups of a maximum of six people, indoors or outdoors.

“If you have symptoms, isolate immediately and arrange for a test. Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household, if they have symptoms. All tests must be booked in advance. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or online.”

Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, new continuous cough, and/or a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell.

Shropshire Council’s public health team are encouraging people to take heed of the new measures in place announced by the Government on 9 September, to suppress the virus and keep the number of infections down.

It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:

• HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
• FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
• SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible; or, if not possible, 1 metre with extra precautions in place.

From tomorrow (Monday 14 September 2020), by law in England, you can only meet socially in groups of up to 6 people indoors or outdoors (the ‘Rule of Six’), unless you are gathering as a ‘household’ or ‘support bubble’ which is larger than 6. 

Further information

People who have developed symptoms or have tested positive must isolate for a minimum of 10 days, or until they are 48 hours without a fever (raised temperature), whichever is the longest.

If you have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, you will need to complete your 14-day isolation period even if you test negative. There is detailed guidance on the NHS website.

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

• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance from people not in your household bubble (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• if you are unable to wash hands and they are visibly clean, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content
• do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• wear face coverings on public transport and when going into any enclosed public places including shops, supermarkets, travel interchanges.

Read more about what you can and cannot do here.