Covid-19 infection rates for the county remain stable but high
The number of new coronavirus cases across Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire has stabilised in the last week but the infection rate continues to be high.
There were 1,101 new coronavirus cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the seven day period 29, November – 5 December, almost the same as in the previous week.
The Telford and Wrekin borough continues to have the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the West Midlands at 607 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000, for the West Midlands it's 431 cases per 100,000 and for England, the seven-day infection rate is 499 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000.
In the Shropshire Council area during the seven-day period between 26 November - 2 December 2021 there were 1,698 new COVID-19 cases reported an increase of 2% on the previous week.
The 7-day infection rate for the Shropshire Council area was 521.8 per 100,000.
The number of patients in local hospitals with Covid-19 has more than halved over the last week. There were 23 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals as of 8 December, compared to 50 the previous week.
Sadly, three further deaths have been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said:
“The Covid-19 infection rate in Telford and Wrekin has stabilised in the last week, but continues to be the highest in West Midlands.
“A high number of cases are recorded in the under 20s and those in their 30s.
“We again appeal to all secondary and higher education students to test regularly and isolate when requested – so as to limit the spread and avoid more vulnerable people to Covid becoming seriously ill.
“So far, we only had one confirmed Omicron case in our borough but we can expect more cases to be detected soon, as the national picture shows.
“As confirmed by the government, Omicron’s severity is still not known. Given its fast growth and the new national restrictions recently introduced (working from home if you can, mandatory face covering in most public venues and mandatory NHS Covid pass in certain venues), we cannot stress enough the importance for our residents to be even more cautious.
“Please take sensible, simple measures to reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid – in particular now, if you are planning Christmas gatherings with your family and loved ones.
“The most important thing you can do is to ensure you are fully vaccinated, including with your booster jab, if eligible.
“Washing hands regularly, letting fresh air in when meeting people indoors, rapid testing before going to crowded venues or meeting people more vulnerable to covid – are easy to do for everyone and can make such a difference to protect one another.
“Thank you for doing your bit to keep our borough Covid safe.”
Shropshire’s director of public health, Rachel Robinson, said:
"Cases remain high in Shropshire, but as of yesterday (Wednesday, 8 December), we currently have no confirmed Omicron cases, however, we do have a small number of suspected cases. We do however know, that there is rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK; we now have 568 cases in the UK.
"The UK Health Security Agency is leading the ongoing investigation into the variant and we are working closely with them to ensure all appropriate actions to identify close contacts and arrange testing are completed.
"As per the national guidance, all close contacts of a suspected or confirmed Omicron should currently self-isolate for 10 days. We are awaiting clarification from Government and UKSHA on the option to use daily testing for contacts. We still do not know the full impact of the Omicron variant, but early indications show it is more transmissible so it’s important that you do follow the advice from the national or local Test and Trace teams when contacted.
"We now know that England will move to Plan B. This means from Friday 10 December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres, libraries and places of worship. From Monday 13 December, those who can, will be advised to work from home. And from Wednesday 15 December, and subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather.
"Please be extra cautious at this time and ensure you take up the COVID-19 vaccines when they are offered. Continue testing, particularly before going to a high risk setting and regular hand washing, keeping indoor areas well ventilated and social distancing where necessary will help to keep us all safe."
