Covid cases rise in Shropshire but fall in Telford, latest figures show
There has been a rise in new Covid cases in Shropshire but they have fallen in Telford and Wrekin, new figures show.
During the week to May 6, 57 new cases were reported in the Shropshire Council area – a 14 per cent increase on the previous week.
The seven-day infection rate stood at 17.6 per 100,000 people – slightly below the regional and national averages.
Meanwhile, there were 19 new cases reported for Telford and Wrekin last week, 20 fewer than the previous seven-day period.
Health leaders are warning infection rates will go up and down as outbreaks occur and that regular testing remains vital to keep infection rates low.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's director for public health, said: "Our cases are now the lowest we have seen since September last year.
"However, outbreaks will happen, and cases will rise.
"When this happens, we need to act quickly to contain an outbreak through testing and the isolation of positive cases.
"This is what we've done with the cluster of cases in Hadley and Leegomery involving the mutation of the UK-variant, a situation we continue to monitor closely.
"Thank you to all those people who have been tested already. Each one helps us to track and stop the spread of the virus."
Variants
Councillor Andy Burford, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for health and social care, added: "It's great to see our cases fall, but it's crucial to acknowledge that outbreaks will happen, and our cases will rise as a result.
"Only through regular testing and isolation of positive cases can we help to keep others safe.
"The threat posed by new variants and mutations mean we all must play our part by getting a rapid test twice a week."
The former Column Restaurant at Shirehall in Shrewsbury has also recently reopened as a collection point for lateral flow tests, for people who do not have Covid symptoms.
New signage is in place to direct visitors to the former restaurant at the building, which is located near the old entrance, off Abbey Foregate.
A member of staff will be on hand to answer any questions, show how the tests work and explain how to report the result.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “Around one in three people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms, so a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a very useful additional tool for tackling the virus.
“You can still catch Covid-19 even if you have been vaccinated or have had it previously, so it is really important that everyone tests regularly.
“Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will play an important role as restrictions are cautiously lifted and we begin to get back to more normal ways of life.”
People with Covid-19 symptoms should not take a lateral flow test.
Instead, stay at home and book a more reliable PCR test online at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.
