07/10/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases rise 7% locally between 24-30 September

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

During the seven-day period between 24-30 September 2021:  

  • 1,596 new cases reported  
  • An increase of 7% on the previous week   
  • The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 490.5 per 100,000  
  • It was 402.3 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 334.1 for England
  • 31 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients  
  • 1 COVID-19-related death in a local hospital  

COVID-19 statistics 24-30 September 2021 infographic

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

“Cases are still climbing, particularly among the under-20s, and we are dealing with increasing number of outbreaks in schools.  

“We want to keep children and staff in education safely, so if students, parents or carers have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if it’s only mild, please get a PCR test to be sure. We also encourage pupils over the age of 11 to use a Lateral Flow Test twice a week if they do not have any symptoms. This is important because up to 1 in 3 people with the virus don’t show symptoms but could potentially pass it to someone more vulnerable. 

“It is everyone’s responsibility to help bring down the infection rates, so I am asking everyone not to return to their pre-pandemic behaviours. Hands-face-space-fresh air and regular testing is still as important as it was 12 months ago.” 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, added:-

“It is encouraging to see the rise in new infections finally slowing down, and hopefully we will turn a corner in the near future. 

“In the meantime, please ensure you are protecting yourself by getting the COVID-19 vaccine, or the booster jab if you are eligible. Also, keep an eye out for invitations for the flu vaccine this autumn.  

“I’d like to thank each and every person I see out in Shropshire who is wearing a face covering, keeping their distance and are following other measures which we know will help to minimise the spread of the virus. The number of people in hospital and dying from the virus in Shropshire is starting to decrease, so let us do all we can to keep our communities safe.”