18/03/2022 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Shropshire has highest COVID-19 rates in region

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

During the seven-day period between 4-10 March 2022:  

  • 2,187 new COVID-19 cases reported  
  • An increase of 72% on the previous week  
  • The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 672.1 per 100,000  
  • It was 395.7 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 541.4 per 100,000 for England  
  • 61 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients 
  • 5 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital  

Weekly figures: 4-10 March

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

“It has been nearly a month since legal restrictions were removed and we moved towards the Government’s ‘Living with COVID-19’ plan. Since then, cases have been rising in Shropshire, and we currently have the highest rates in the West Midlands.

“The number of cases nearly doubled last week, with 2,147 new cases reported between 4-10 March. This increase is being felt in the health and care system, on both staff and in the numbers of patients being treated for the virus. 

“It is inevitable that the virus will spread without any measures. To live safely with the virus, and to protect our most vulnerable residents, as well as reducing the pressure on the NHS, we can all choose to do things which will help to reduce the rapid spread. While vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19, at times when there is widespread community transmission following hands-face-space-fresh air is still really important. 

“Don’t forget free testing is still available until 31 March. If you are mixing with people in large groups or visiting someone potentially more vulnerable, please check for COVID-19 first by using a Lateral Flow Test. These are available in pharmacies, Shirehall in Shrewsbury and other community buildings such as libraries.” 

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

“’Living with COVID-19′ does not mean forgetting about it. We must do what we can to protect our communities, especially those who are most vulnerable. 

“Coronavirus is highly transmissible and, if we don’t take personal steps to reduce the spread, we’re going to keep seeing numbers rising and people falling seriously ill. 

“Thanks to the vaccine less people are now dying from COVID-19, but as we see each week, COVID-19 is still claiming lives. It’s never too late to get vaccinated, whether it is the 1st, 2nd or booster dose.” 

Click here to find your nearest walk-in vaccination clinic or book online here. 

As of next week all up-to-date COVID-19 data will be published weekly on our website.