Health officials in Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales issue warning after coronavirus cases soar
Health officials in Shropshire are urging people to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus after the number of positive cases soared in the region.
Latest figures show that 66 people were diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford & Wrekin last week, compared to 37 in the previous seven days.
In Shropshire Council’s area, positive cases jumped from 65 to 109 and in Powys rose from 10 to 29.
It comes as a spate of cases have been confirmed at schools, businesses and care homes in the region.
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The headteacher at Radbrook Primary School in Shrewsbury has decided to close the entire school until next Tuesday following confirmation of five cases of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, 19 people have tested positive for coronavirus at a care home in Whitchurch and two workers at Kraft Heinz in Telford have also tested positive.
Shropshire Council says it is working with Public Health England Midlands and the care home, which has not been named, to ensure plans are in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
And a third case of Covid-19 has now been confirmed at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
Particular concern
Of the positive cases in Telford and Wrekin last week, four related to care homes, 14 to educational settings, with the remainder in the community.
Liz Noakes, director for public health at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The number of confirmed cases we have had in the past week is the highest we have had since community testing began at the end of May, more than doubling in the last fortnight.
“Of particular concern is that the virus is affecting our more vulnerable residents, some in their eighties and, sadly, some have been admitted to hospital.
“Like many other areas – the virus is spreading within the borough and we must all play our part to contain the spread and protect our vulnerable residents.
“The best way to stop the spread of the virus it to reduce the number of people you meet each day at home, outside your home in your leisure time and at work. "Work from home if you can and if you do meet up – don’t forget no more than six."
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s director of public health, says the rise in the number of cases is a concern.
See her appeal to the public here:
She said: "Many of our neighbouring counties, both in the West Midlands and over the border in North Wales, are going into lockdown, so we need everyone in Shropshire to step up to avoid this happening here.
"If we don’t tackle this collectively as a community, we could face tough local restrictions imposed on us – none of us want this.
“Everyone in Shropshire has a role to play – by getting tested if they have any symptoms, making sure they continue to socially distance, washing their hands, wearing face coverings, and meeting socially in groups of a maximum of six people, indoors or outdoors.”
Councillor Rosemarie Harris, leader of Powys County Council, has also encouraged people to remain vigilant.
She said: "A rise in cases of coronavirus could see local measures being put into place.
"By observing the latest Welsh Government rules, we can keep Powys safe and we must all play our part.”
There were no new coronavirus deaths confirmed at hospitals in Shropshire or Powys yesterday but across the UK the death toll rose 59 to 42,202.
