11/03/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Shropshire records lowest weekly COVID-19 infection rate since September 2020

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

During the 7-day period between 26 February – 4 March 2021

  • 161 new cases reported
  • This was a decrease of 161 (50%) cases compared to the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 49.8 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
  • For the West Midlands it was 78.4 per 100,000
  • For England it was 62. 4 per 100,000
  • There were 18 COVID-19-related deaths in Shropshire hospitals
  • 48 hospital beds at the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospitals were occupied by COVID-19 patients
  • 37 cases relate to people under the age of 30
  • 20 cases relate to people aged 70+
  • During the last week 41% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
  • 30% were in north Shropshire
  • 29% were in south Shropshire

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

“The sharp reduction in confirmed cases in Shropshire is hugely encouraging.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts and sacrifices of Shropshire residents, who continue to play their part in the battle to get back to normal.

“It is really important that people follow the current coronavirus restrictions and help us continue on the road to recovery.

“It has been a very difficult few months, and I know that people are keen to get out and enjoy the brighter days, but it is also important to keep safe and stop the spread of the virus.

“From experience, we know that when restrictions are eased, people become complacent and cases creep up. If we want to move back to normality as quickly as possible, it is vital that everyone follows the rules.”

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“It is really important we all play our part in keeping our schools open, and moving the country through the roadmap to recovery.

“Schools, parents and pupils across Shropshire have done a fantastic job in adapting to remote learning. However, we believe that classroom learning is vital to our children and young people’s development.

“We have an outstanding testing offer here in Shropshire. Twice-weekly testing using rapid Lateral Flow Tests is available for free to all adults in households with primary school, secondary school and college-aged children, for those without symptoms.

“This includes adults in childcare and support bubbles, as well as adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers, taxi drivers and after school club leaders.

“I urge all parents take up this offer and play their part in slowing the spread of the virus.”

Get tested

Rapid testing for people without symptoms is available without appointment at the following locations:

Bridgnorth Community Centre, Severn Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth, WV15 6BB

Raven House, 129 Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, TF9 3AH

The Victoria Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry SY11 2HT

Opening hours at the walk-in rapid testing sites are from 8am-5pm daily. No prior booking is required.

Rapid testing by appointment is also available at the following locations:

Council-run sites (booking required)

The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG

Halo, Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, SY7 9PS

Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Noble Street, Wem, SY4 5DT

Tests can be booked online at  http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

Pharmacies (booking required)

Several Shropshire pharmacies are now offering rapid testing for people who cannot work from home. Tests can be booked online using  https://www.1centralhealth.co.uk/shropshirelft

People with symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, are reminded they must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test by visiting GOV.UK or calling 119.

 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.