02/07/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Update on Minsterley COVID-19 outbreak 

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

A mobile testing unit (MTU) is in Minsterley following an outbreak of COVID-19 linked to the village primary school. 

Shropshire Council has been working with local councillors, the parish council, primary school and Public Health England to contain the spread. 

To date, there have been 36 positive cases directly or indirectly linked to the outbreak at the school, which has been closed since Wednesday 23 June 2021. It is due to reopen on Monday 5 July now that most staff and students have completed their 10-day self-isolation period. 

Given the scale of the outbreak in Minsterley, Shropshire Council is encouraging residents to get a PCR test. An MTU is based at the village hall seven days a week, from 9am to 3pm, until Sunday 11 July 2021. The council can request to extend this further if necessary. 

The site will operate on a no appointment necessary, walk-in basis until Tuesday 6 July. After that, bookings will need to be made online via the Government website, or by calling 119. 

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

“I understand it has been a worrying time for individuals and families in Minsterley, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to control the spread of the virus. 

“Please make use of the MTU and get a PCR test, even if you do not have any symptoms, to put your mind at ease. If you do have symptoms, or have tested positive using a Lateral Flow Test (LFT), you must self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test. 

“I would also like to thank everyone in the community for their co-operation and understanding. Going forward, I would encourage everyone to keep testing twice a week using LFTs. This is key to stopping the rapid spread. Home testing kits are currently available from the Co-Op and Pontesbury pharmacy. 

“If you have not yet had a vaccine, or have delayed getting the second dose of a vaccine, please attend of the county’s walk-in clinics or book online. People who are double jabbed are significantly less likely to get seriously ill if they develop COVID-19.” 

All details of walk-in vaccine clinics are available here. 

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 are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, but some service options on the line may operate for shorter periods) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. 

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 coverings 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.