Coronavirus: Residents are urged to continue to protect themselves after rise in COVID-19 cases

A stark warning has been issued by Shropshire’s public health chief about the potentially devastating consequences of residents not sticking to the rules in the lead up to Christmas.

In recent days, the county has seen a rise in the number of positive cases. As of 9 December, Shropshire’s case rate has risen to 90.7, an increase of 41% compared to last week.

There has also been a notable increase in cases linked to the over 60s.

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

“This is a warning sign, especially as this rise has happened so soon after Lockdown. It’s also really worrying, especially after the progress we have made in recent weeks.

“We have seen a falling number of outbreaks in recent weeks, and the evidence suggests it’s more to do with people being in contact with each other.

“We’re asking people not to mix with other households, because this virus does spread in indoor settings.

“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.

“We all need to keep doing all the things designed to keep us and others safe. That means limiting contact with people outside your household and support bubbles, wearing face coverings in indoor settings and washing your hands.

“We can’t undo all of the hard work and sacrifices we’ve made. We need to ‘Drive it Down for Christmas’ – or the five-day period could be devastating if we don’t remain incredibly careful.”

If you have COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature, continuous cough or loss of or change in sense of smell or taste), you should immediately self-isolate and book a test. New booking slots are available each evening for the next day and more are released each morning. Pre-booking is essential.

If you test positive, you must self-isolate for ten days – with your household isolating for 10 days – do not go to your workplace, to school or to the shops. Either work from home or report sick. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they’ve recently been in contact with so they can be alerted and self-isolate if required.

You can book a test online, on the Test and Trace app or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered.