Coronavirus: Omicron cases of COVID-19 now in Shropshire

During the seven-day period between 3 December – 9 December 2021:

• 1,662 new COVID-19 cases reported
• A decrease of 2% on the previous week
• 2 confirmed Omicron cases
• The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 510.7 per 100,000
• It was 445.1 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 512.6 for England
• 27 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients
• 8 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital.

COVID-19 stats 3-9 December 2021

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

“This week we have seen the number of cases in Shropshire remain stable, with our overall rate now similar to other rural areas in the region, as other areas within the region start to rise.

“While latest data suggests cases have remained stable, as at 12pm on Monday 13 December we now have 5 confirmed cases of Omicron in Shropshire, with a number of suspected cases. This increase is in line with national cases and expected to continue to rise.

“We also currently have 35 ongoing outbreaks, with a further 21 declared since last week, the majority are in workplace settings and schools.

“With this in mind, I can’t stress enough how important it is now for everyone who is eligible, to get their COVID-19 boosters and 1^st and 2^nd dose COVID-19 vaccinations if you haven’t done so already. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you could still catch the virus, so please do continue to remain safe and follow the guidelines, including wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport, washing your hands regularly, and meet outside rather than indoors.”

Testing rates continue to be high across the county. The average age of cases has stabilised at 30.6 years.

Occupancy of hospital beds at SaTH with COVID-19 patients has fallen; currently at 22 beds occupied by COVID-19 patients on Saturday 11 December. Unfortunately, we have seen a further 7 deaths reported between 5 December and 12 December across Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin.

Following the announcement by the Prime Minster on Sunday 12 December evening, the vaccination programme continues to roll out at pace across the county. The local NHS, including GPs and community pharmacists, is working with both local unitary councils and key partners, including volunteers, to bring on the additional capacity to enable all those aged 18 and over to be offered their booster by the end of the year.

This will include extra pop-up sites being made available across the county and longer opening hours at current sites. It has now been a year since the first dose was given in the county, and over 1 million doses have been delivered.

England has moved to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant, on top of Delta.

• Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
• Get tested and self-isolate if required
• Work from home, if you can
• Get vaccinated
• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer.

To find out more how you can help stop the spread visit Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can sign up to receive regular coronavirus updates into your email box. To sign up to Shropshire Council’s coronavirus updates click here.

Further information

Shropshire Council is already providing other support for the vaccination booster programme and throughout the pandemic. Including:

• A special transport offer for people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, who cannot get to their booster appointment. (see COVID-19 Support Helpline below).
• Helping to distribute Lateral Flow Tests to the community from its facilities across Shropshire.
• Our 5 Ways to Winter Wellness campaign aimed at keeping people physically and mentally well this winter.
• A dedicated COVID-19 Support Helpline – 0345 678 9028. Residents can get help and advice with COVID-19 and coronavirus-related issues as follows:-Travel to vaccination appointments where there are no other alternatives available (option 0); support if you are bereaved (option 1); advice on running a business safely or concerns that a business isn’t operating safely (option 2); for progress with business grants (option 3); if you have been told to self-isolate and need support and advice to do so (option 4); all other COVID-19 and coronavirus-related issues – bar medical advice (option 5).
• Winter Support Line – 0345 678 9012 – for anyone struggling to cope with self-care, isolation and loneliness, worried about paying bills, doing shopping or getting prescriptions.
• Local Welfare Support line – 0345 678 9078 – funding available to help households struggling to meet essential bills.

The council will also be working with the NHS to pinpoint areas where the need for boosters is greatest and targeting efforts at these locations, possibly with pop-up vaccination clinics, in addition to those already in place. As soon as these are known they will be published on our website and social media channels.

To support the vaccination effort, some services may be temporarily suspended to help redeploy staff and ensure essential key services are not affected by staff illness or self-isolation.