25/02/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Despite a decline in COVID-19 cases, Shropshire’s 7-day infection rate is higher than the national average

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Uncategorized

During the 7-day period from 12-18 February 2021 in Shropshire:

  • 428 new cases reported
  • This was a decrease of 64 (13%) cases compared to the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 132.5 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
  • For the West Midlands it was 160.4 per 100,000
  • For England it was 121.3 per 100,000
  • There were 22 COVID-19-related deaths in Shropshire hospitals
  • 91 hospital beds at the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospitals were occupied by COVID-19 patients
  • 91 cases relate to people under the age of 30
  • 57 cases relate to people aged 70+
  • During the last week 35% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
  • 40% were in north Shropshire
  • 25% were in south Shropshire

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

“Whilst the number of cases we have across the county are continuing to decline, they are still higher than the national average – which is always a cause for concern.

“We are still seeing a high number of outbreaks in both care homes and work-based settings, and we are working hard with all affected parties to help reduce the number of infections in these settings.

“Earlier this week, the Prime Minister detailed the initial steps that will see the easing of Lockdown restrictions here in England. We cannot afford to endanger all of the hard work and sacrifices our communities have made for the best part of a year; so for now, please stick to the rules and stay at home. We have continued to show as a county how resilient we are in the face of adversity, and I know we will keep doing all we can to follow the rules in place. Every day we stay at home is another day closer to things getting back to normal.

“I am very grateful for the efforts of our residents to bring COVID-19 case rates in Shropshire down. If we follow the current restrictions, get tested if we have any COVID-19 symptoms and take up the vaccine when offered it, there is no reason why we won’t be able to see the restrictions ease over the coming months ahead.”

 

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

  • Stay At Home
  • Work from home, if you can
  • 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 (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
  • 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 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

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 or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.