07/01/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Shropshire COVID-19 update (25-31 December 2020)

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

During the 7-day period from 25-31 December 2020 in Shropshire:

  • 770 new cases reported
  • This was an increase of 443 cases compared to the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 238.3 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
  • For the West Midlands it was 420.1 per 100,000
  • For England it was 517.2 per 100,000
  • 269 cases relate to people under the age of 30
  • 103 cases relate to people aged 70+
  • 71 beds were occupied by COVID-positive patients at the Royal Shrewsbury & Princess Royal Hospitals
  • During the last week 32% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
  • 43% were in north Shropshire
  • 25% were in south Shropshire

The latest situation in Shropshire

During the last week we have also seen a sharp rise in household transmissions – with 50% of new cases being linked to people in the same household.

Our local hospitals are also coming under increasing pressure – so we are pleading with people to stay home as much as possible and limit their contact with people outside their household and support bubbles.

Every social interaction is the opportunity for the virus to infect and spread. The new lockdown restrictions for Shropshire will mean everyone must Stay at Home and may leave only for a limited set of reasons. These include:

  • Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
  • Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
  • Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other. person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
  • Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
  • Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
  • Attend education or childcare – for those eligible.

If you have any of the following symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – you should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. If you have symptoms, book a test by calling 119 or at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), 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.