17/06/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in Shropshire

Related topics: Coronavirus

During the seven-day period between 4-10 June:

  • 83 new cases reported
  • An increase of 167% on the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 25.7 per 100,000
  • It was 55.7 for the West Midlands and 78.3 for England
  • 2 hospital beds were occupied by a COVID-19 patient
  • There were zero COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital

The data also shows that the average age of people who have had a positive test in this timeframe is 32.

30.7% of cases were aged between 0 and 19, and 22% were aged 20-29. Meanwhile 5.7% of cases were aged 70+, showing a slight increase in the rate of cases in the older population.

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

With the cases of now-dominant Delta variant increasing rapidly in the UK, it was inevitable that we would see a spike in Shropshire. The council, working with Public Health England, is doing everything it can to minimise the spread. However, we all must play our part individually too.

The figures show that more than 50% of cases were in the lower age range, which highlights the importance of getting the vaccine when it is offered. The vaccination programme is moving quickly now and every adult over the age of 18 will be offered a first jab by 19 July. Please book when you are invited, as it significantly reduces your risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

But it is important that we do not rely on the vaccine alone. Regular testing for people without symptoms will stop the rapid spread. 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms but can still pass it on to others. Please ensure you are doing a Lateral Flow Test twice a week – even if you have had COVID-19 in the past, feel perfectly well, do not have any symptoms or have been vaccinated.

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

“Given the situation with the Delta variant across the country, we have expected the number of cases to rise in Shropshire. The percentage increase is large, but we are still working with small numbers overall.

“Shropshire’s rate of infection remains below the national and regional averages so what we are doing here is still working. I am proud to say that over 210,000 people have had the first dose of the vaccine and more than 170,000 have had the second dose. Please also keep testing regularly – it is just as important as the jab.

“Thank you to everyone for playing their part. Let’s keep doing what we are doing to keep our friends, families and neighbours safe.”

Further information  

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result please do not leave your home and self-isolate immediately. For more guidance click here  
  • People without symptoms of COVID-19 should test twice a week – find out more here  
  • The NHS will contact you when your vaccination is ready or to find out if you are already eligible click here  
  • Indoor gatherings are limited to 6 people or 2 households  
  • Face masks should be worn in indoor settings unless you are exempt  
  • Remain cautious when meeting with people outside your bubble  
  • Follow the hands-face-space-fresh air guidance  
  • Continue to work from home if you can  
  • You should continue to follow the guidance even if you have been vaccinated.