Coronavirus: Shrewsbury Town urge everyone to ‘Step Up’ in the fight against COVID-19

Shrewsbury Town FC are backing a countywide campaign which aims to keep everyone safe and cut the county’s rising coronavirus case rate.

The ‘Step Up Shropshire’ campaign reinforces key public health messages about the need to get tested if symptoms develop, and what to do if the test is positive.

The campaign has already reached over 1.5 million people on social media and now Town manager Sam Ricketts, together with players and staff, have put together their own video urging people to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Sam Rickets said the football club was only too happy to support the campaign.

He said:

“Coronavirus has impacted on all of our lives, and everyone has had to make sacrifices, but now more than ever we need everyone to be on their guard.

“Our supporters are the beating heart of this football club. It’s not the same without them cheering us on, and that is why we are desperate to welcome fans back to the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

“To make this a reality, we need everyone to play their part – it means washing your hands, limiting your contact with other people and staying home if you have symptoms.

“That’s why we need everyone to get behind ‘Step Up Shropshire’.”

The council’s public health team is continuing to urge people to follow the guidance to reduce the number of new cases in the county.

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

“I would like to thank Sam and his staff for showing their support and reinforcing these really important messages we all need to follow.

“We all want to see fans back at the Montgomery Waters Meadow as soon as we can, but we need to make sure we all play our part in keeping coronavirus at bay. Further restrictions are just around the corner, so we need a huge community effort to do this.

“If you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste, stay at home and arrange a test straight away by visiting the online portal or by calling 119.”

Further information

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

• 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)
• Stick to a maximum group of 6 people when meeting socially – indoors or outdoors
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.
• You can book a test by calling 119 or click here

Download ‘Step Up Shropshire’ posters here.

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.