08/04/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Shropshire residents urged to remain vigilant ahead of restrictions being eased

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

Shropshire Council’s public health director has urged residents to continue to be vigilant and stay safe, ahead of further third Lockdown restrictions being eased on Monday 12 April 2021.

As part of Step 2 of the Government’s roadmap, from Monday:-

  • All shops can reopen 
  • Pubs and restaurants can serve drinks and meals outdoors (table service only) 
  • Hairdressers, nail salons and other personal care businesses can reopen 
  • Indoor gyms and sports facilities can reopen, for individual exercise or with your bubble/household 
  • Self-contained holiday accommodation (campsites, holiday lets and cottages) can reopen in England – for use by a household/support bubble
  • Wedding ceremonies and receptions can have 15 guests, while funerals can continue with up to 30 people.
  • Libraries and community centres can reopen. 

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

“These past few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone in Shropshire and we appreciate all the sacrifices that our residents and businesses continue to make. 

“Everyone has worked hard to keep Shropshire’s infection rates low – so we can’t afford to let our efforts go to waste. 

“When Lockdown measures are eased, there may be a temptation for people to let their guard down. 

“Every social interaction is the opportunity for the virus to infect and spread. We know it’s extremely difficult, but we ask residents to be extra cautious by limiting the number of people they meet outside of their household and support bubble. 

“We are all missing our freedom, but following the measures will save lives.  

“We all need to protect ourselves and each other. I truly believe that if people take this advice on board, it will help us reduce our rates of infection even further. “

 Get tested 

From Friday 9 April, everyone in Shropshire will be able access two rapid coronavirus tests a week (Lateral Flow Tests), under an extension of the Government’s testing programme.  Regular testing for people without symptoms is an important tool, alongside hands, face, space, vaccinations and fresh air, in allowing us to move safely forward as we ease out of the third Lockdown. 

As well as our testing centres and local pharmacies, you will be able to collect your testing kits from local libraries and leisure centres from Monday 12 April.

A full list of collection sites are available here

People with symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT take a rapid test. Instead, please stay at home and book a PCR test online or by calling 119.   

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 (lines open throughout the week 9am-5pm, and on the weekend on Saturdays from 9am-4pm and Sundays 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.