Newsroom

For the week ending 9 January, the Covid-19 situation in the borough is:

• 3,140 new Covid-19 cases reported, 77 more compared to the previous week

• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 1,732 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 1,682 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 1,584 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• Sadly, there have been six further deaths been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. The total number of borough deaths since the start of the pandemic is 310.  

• There were 71 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals as of 12 January, up from 48 patients on 5 January. 

Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said:

“In the last week, our local hospitals had significantly more people with Covid-19.  

“The sickest Covid patients are those who did not have their vaccinations or the booster.

“It’s not too late for everyone who hasn’t done so already and is eligible, to get fully vaccinated – walk-in or book your appointment at a local vaccination clinic.

“Thank you to everyone eligible who has come forward – as of 11 January, 80% of our residents eligible for the booster already had theirs.

“I also want to remind people to test regularly with later flow tests (LFT), if they are feeling well, as this gives them peace of mind that they are not spreading the virus without knowing, to their loved ones and into the community. 

“Rapid tests are now available again for collection at the Council’s centres (libraries and The Place-Oakengates), they can also be picked up from local pharmacies (visit this website for your nearest collection point) or delivered to your door, if you order online.

“If your LFT test is positive, in line with the latest government’s guidance, you don’t need a confirmatory PCR  - just self-isolate immediately and report your result on the government’s website, you will then be contacted by NHS Test and Trace. 

“Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, not an LFT. 

“Thank you for keeping on with testing – this, together with having more of our residents fully vaccinated, keeps our borough moving and as Covid safe as possible at these times. “

Lab Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-Being, Equalities and Partnerships, added:

“Together with our NHS partners, we are continuing to make it as easy and as convenient as possible for everyone eligible to get their jab without delay. 

“Betty, our mobile vaccination bus has been travelling to different parts of the borough and will continue to bring vaccinations to people’s doorsteps or workplaces also in the coming weeks.

“Over 1,000 local people had so far a first, second or booster dose of the Covid vaccination from Betty, the vaccination bus – which is fantastic and a credit of the hard work we have put in with partners across the public sector to get Betty up and running 

“Other vaccination centres continue to be open across the borough with extended hours so everyone who is eligible and hasn’t done so already is welcome to drop by to get their jab or talk to the clinicians on site if they have any concerns. 

“Let’s do all we can to keep safe and protect each other.”