Coronavirus: Shropshire COVID-19 update (4 -10 December 2020)
During the 7-day period from 4-10 December 2020 in Shropshire:
- 293 new cases reported
- This was an increase of 92 cases compared to the previous week
- The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 90.7 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
- For the West Midlands it was 171.2 per 100,000
- For England it was 181,1 per 100,000
- 76 cases relate to people under the age of 30
- 31 cases relate to people aged 70+
- During the last week 36% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
- 35% were in north Shropshire
- 29% in south Shropshire
Shropshire’s COVID-19 figures for the week 4-10 December 2020
Whilst the Government guidelines over Christmas currently remain the same, after seeing a sharp rise of cases in Shropshire so soon after lockdown, we can’t stress enough on how important it is for people to be extra cautious.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health said:
“It’s been a really tough year and everyone has sacrificed so much. We’re all missing family and friends and it’s understandable that people are desperate for some form of normality as the coronavirus restrictions are eased for five days from 23 to 27 December.
“We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas but the risk of allowing people to socialise in larger groups, and a resulting potential increase in infection rates early in the New Year, is extremely worrying.
“We urge people to consider the potential impact on themselves and loved ones when the rules are relaxed. We know that transmission of the virus takes place largely as a result of inter-household mixing, so we are pleading with people to be sensible.
“The safest way to spend Christmas this year is within your own household and within your own home. Therefore we are urging the people of Shropshire to think carefully whether a Christmas extended bubble is a good idea.
“We just can’t undo all of the hard work and sacrifices everybody has made throughout the year, and I don’t want us to squander the progress we’ve made. We must all think: ‘should I do it?’ not ‘can I do it?’
“It is up to us to stop the spread of the virus. We know from experience now how quickly the infection rate can rise, so we all need to work together to keep our case rate down.
“I would urge everyone to take great care to limiting contact with people outside your household and support bubbles, wearing face coverings in indoor settings and washing your hands in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus and prevent more tragic deaths.
“Whilst the rollout of the vaccination offers us all hope for a happier 2021, it remains very clear that we will collectively pay the price in the New Year if people have too much social contact over Christmas.
“We absolutely understand the need for people to celebrate together but we do believe the greatest gift anyone can give this Christmas is keeping yourself and your family safe.”
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.
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