Covid infection rates continue to fall in Shropshire
Covid infection rates for Shropshire are now well below the West Midlands average, with public health officials hailing the progress.
Telford & Wrekin has the lowest rate in the West Midlands at 27 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000. The Shropshire rate is 33, also well below the West Midlands rate of 66.
The current rate in Powys is 35.
The latest Telford figures also show that there have been no infections in the over 60s in the week up to March 14.
Liz Noakes, Telford & Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said: "It is very pleasing to see that the fall in cases in Telford and Wrekin has been sustained and is now the lowest in the West Midlands.
"In even more welcome news, we had zero reported cases in over 60s, which as we all know is a group that is especially vulnerable to the virus.
"This is excellent news, but the number of cases will fluctuate, and outbreaks will continue.
"The steep decline in our infection rates is down to the efforts and sacrifices of our residents.
"Thank you to everyone who has played there part.
"But it is essential to acknowledge that we are not out of the woods yet.
"We need to continue to play our part by following the rules, to keep cases down, to save lives."
Councillor Andy Burford, cabinet member for health and social care, said: "The vaccination rollout in Telford and Wrekin has progressed well; nearly half of all adults have now had their first dose vaccination.
"Residents should be reassured by our low coronavirus rates in respect of the expected shortage in vaccinations.
"We will work with the NHS and partners to continue to support the vaccine rollout across the borough.
“The important thing is for people to continue to follow the rules and restrictions still in place to continue to control the virus.”
Shropshire Council's director of public health, Rachel Robinson added: “More than 200,000 people have now received their vaccinations locally, but we cannot get complacent or let our guard down.
"People who have had a vaccine may still carry coronavirus and unintentionally pass it on to friends, family or work colleagues, so it is crucial that we continue to follow all measures to control the spread of the virus.
