29/07/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases start to fall again in Shropshire

Related topics: Coronavirus

During the seven-day period between 16-22 July 2021:

  • 984 new cases reported
  • A decrease of 5% on the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 304.5 per 100,000
  • It was 450.3 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 445.8 for England
  • 16 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients
  • Zero COVID-19-related deaths in local hospitals

Coronavirus update 16-22 July

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

Following the national trend, there has been a small drop in the number of positive cases in Shropshire. This was expected as we go into summer and schools break up. However, we will continue to monitor the situation closely, as we do not believe we have yet seen the impact of restrictions lifting.

While it is positive that there have been no hospital deaths in this period, it is concerning to see the number of hospital admissions rising each week. We are also aware of one death in a community setting. Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine offers the most protection against the virus, so please get double jabbed if you haven’t already.

After a really difficult 16 months, we want people to enjoy this summer as safely as possible. When you are out and about, it’s important to know your risk. Asses the situation you’re in and make a sensible decision on whether it is safer to socially distance or wear a face covering.

Keep testing twice a week using Lateral Flow Tests at home, and if at any point you develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if they’re mild, please get a PCR test. It’s important we can monitor the spread of the virus in the county to keep everyone safe.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public health, added:

It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many people in Shropshire taking a cautious, sensible approach post-Lockdown. We have all missed out on so much over the last 16 months and I know everyone is eager to make up for it. Let’s do it in a safe way to stop the spread of the virus.

I’m also really proud of the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine here in Shropshire. 88% of the adult population have now received one dose. But there is still more work to be done. If you haven’t yet had your second jab, but it’s been more than 8 weeks since your first, head to a walk-in clinic and get it done as soon as possible. Nearly 70% of 20-29 year olds have received one dose which is brilliant but our aim is even higher.

Full details of walk-in, no appointment vaccination clinics, are available here.