Shropshire Covid infection rate third highest in West Midlands as cases rise
Shropshire now has the third highest infection rate in the West Midlands, just slightly behind Herefordshire and Wolverhampton.
Health bosses say the situation in Shropshire and in Telford and Wrekin is worsening by the week.
There were 656 new Coronavirus cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the seven days between August 16-22 , 51 more than the previous seven-day period.
Latest figures for Shropshire are from August 13-19 with 1,175 positive cases reported – an increase of 33 per cent on the previous week.
Director of Public Health for Shropshire, Rachel Robinson, said: “The situation in Shropshire is worsening by the week.
“Of the 23 Covid-19 patients in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals, six are on the intensive care unit. I’m sad to report that there have also been six further deaths in our local hospitals during this time. The Delta variant of the virus is highly transmissible, currently widespread within our communities, and we must take it seriously.
“I strongly urge people to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces, and social distance where possible to protect yourselves and others.
“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; but I must remind everyone that you can still develop COVID-19 even after you have been vaccinated. Please be sensible and take a PCR test to check if you have the virus or not.
“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 said: “Once again I want to send my condolences to the families who have lost a loved one. We all must step up again, like we have in the past, and do all we can to keep Shropshire safe.
Councillor Andy Burford, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Telford and Wrekin said:
"In our local hospitals, we are consistently seeing several patients with Covid-19 many of whom have not been fully vaccinated.
"The vaccination is the best way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from getting seriously ill.
"So, get vaccinated if you haven't done so already.
"A great place to get your vaccination is at the walk-in clinic at the balloon festival this weekend."
