25/03/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Shropshire’s COVID-19 cases fall again, but the decline is starting to slow down

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

During the 7-day period between 12-18 March 2021:-

  • 95 new cases reported
  • This was a decrease of 12 cases (11%) compared to the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 29.4 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
  • For the West Midlands it was 66.1 per 100,000
  • For England it was 56 per 100,000
  • 16 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients
  • 11 COVID-19-related deaths at our hospitals
  • 45 cases relate to people under the age of 30
  • 3 cases relate to people aged 70+
  • During the last week 28% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
  • 54% were in north Shropshire
  • 18% were in south Shropshire

The decline in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shropshire has started to slow down, after the rapid falls in recent weeks.

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

“The slowing down in the drop of the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is similar to the trend seen in the rest of England, and partly explained by the increased take up of symptom-free testing.

“Symptom-free testing is widely available across Shropshire and I would encourage people who are not working from home, parents and secondary schoolpupils to regularly test twice a week. The more cases we find the more we will reduce transmission.

“Lockdown measures will be slightly easing again on Monday 29 March (phase 2 of Step 1), so it’s vital that we all continue to follow all of the measures designed to keep us safe.

“I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to drive down cases in the county so far, and ask that we all remain patient and continue to follow the guidance until then.

“It’s vital we all do everything possible to keep the number of cases down. The Government’s plan to lift the third Lockdown in Steps 1-4 depends upon infection rates remaining low to keep the pressure off the NHS while the vaccination programme rolls out.

“I’m asking everyone who needs to work or volunteer away from home, or has children at school, to make regular symptom-free testing part of your weekly routine.

“If a symptom-free test is not available where you work, you can attend one of our walk-in centres in Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Shrewsbury, book them at pharmacies around the county, or book an appointment at one of our council-run sites.

“But, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, the symptom-free test is not the right test to take. You should book a regular COVID-19 test – known as a PCR test – if you have symptoms.

“Symptom-free testing, combined with vaccinations and the Hands-Face-Space guidelines, are how we will keep to the Government’s schedule to lift the third Lockdown and get back to doing the things we miss.”

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