02/09/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases still high as hospitalisations and deaths rise during week 20-26 August 2021

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

During the 7-day period between 20-26 August 2021:

  • 1,130 new COVID-19 cases reported
  • A decrease of 4% on the previous week
  • The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 347.2 per 100,000
  • It was 325.5 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 313.2 for England
  • 34 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients
  • 8 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital
COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths locally - 20-26 August 2021 - infographic

COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths locally – 20-26 August 2021

Cases

  • Of the total positive cases in this 7 days period, the average age was 36.2 years.
  • 308 cases (30.1%) were age 0-19. 137 (13.4%) were age 20-29.
  • Meanwhile 71 cases (6.9%) were aged 70+, showing an increase in the rate of cases in the older population.
  • During the last week 42% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area, 32% in north Shropshire and 26% in south Shropshire.

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

“While we’ve seen a very small decline in COVID-19 cases in the 7 days period up to 26 August, Shropshire still has one of the highest rates in the West Midlands.

“We have seen cases across the county continually increase over the past several weeks and, not only that, we have seen increasing evidence of the spread of the virus beyond people in their 20s, to older and potentially more vulnerable age groups.

“The virus is highly transmissible, currently widespread within our communities, and we must take it seriously.

“There has also been an increase in COVID-19 patients in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals (SaTH), and I’m sad to report that there have been 8 further deaths in our local hospitals during this time.

“By now we all know the things we can do to stop the rapid spread of the virus and, with the situation still as it is at the moment in the county, we all need to play our part. We know Shropshire residents have remained resilient and have stepped up to help stop the spread of the virus, but I strongly urge people to continue to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces, and social distance where possible to protect yourselves and others.

“The best protection is still two doses of a vaccine. It significantly reduces your chances of becoming seriously ill if you get COVID-19. All adults aged 16 and over are now eligible.”

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

“As we know coronavirus is going to be with us for some time, and our priority is to stop the spread of infection and protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community, in particular our most vulnerable.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.  I urge all of you to please continue to remain vigilant. The Government’s preventative measures, coupled with the continued efforts of Shropshire residents, will hopefully stop the situation from escalating further and protect our most vulnerable residents.”

Further information 

What you should do

Coronavirus has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. While COVID-19 cases are high, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

  • Get a test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, even if your symptoms are mild. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result, please do not leave your home and self-isolate immediately. The rules around isolation changed recently, which means people who are double vaccinated no longer have to self-isolate if they are a close contact of a positive case. 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.
  • Remain cautious when meeting with people outside your  of household.
  • Meet others outside or let fresh air in. Follow the hands-face-space-fresh air guidance.
  • Continue to work from home if you can.
  • Minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
  • Quarantine when returning from red list countries, and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.
  • Wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport and shops.
  • You should continue to follow the guidance even if you have been vaccinated. We would to remind everyone that you can still develop COVID-19 even after you have been fully vaccinated. Please be sensible and take a PCR test to check if you have the virus or not.