Newsroom

For the week ending 16 January, the Covid-19 situation in the borough is:

• 2,504 new Covid-19 cases reported, 643 less compared to the previous week

• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 1,381 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 1,076 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 967 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000

• Sadly, there have been seven 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 317.  

• There were 59 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals as of 19 January, down from 71 patients on 12 January. 

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

“Covid cases in Telford and Wrekin are decreasing but continue to be at a high level, with still a high number of Covid patients in local hospitals.

“As many health leaders highlighted, evidence shows people who are not vaccinated are up to eight times more likely to be hospitalised than those fully vaccinated. 

“It is thus vital for everyone eligible to get their booster or their first or second vaccination (if they haven’t done so already) so they significantly reduce their risk of serious illness or hospitalisation - walk-in or book appointment at a local vaccination clinic.

 “Please also keep testing with rapid tests even if you are feeling well and report your result on the government’s website, it’s the best way to ensure you are not passing the virus to your loved ones or in the community without knowing.

“Good hand hygiene, good ventilation in indoor places and continuing to wear a face covering in enclosed busy places particularly with people you don’t normally meet remain vitally important in our fight against the virus. 

“I appreciate many of us might get tired of these precautions, especially since many restrictions are now being eased.

“However, as long as the virus is still with us, each and every one can continue to help slow down the spread and bring further down the case numbers in our borough. Thank you for your efforts on this.”

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

“The Covid vaccine continues to be our best line of defence against serious iIlness. I urge all our residents who have not yet been jabbed yet or who are due to have their booster to come forward.

“As of 18 January, 81% of our residents eligible for the booster already had theirs – which is fantastic news! 

“But the job isn’t done yet. We are continuing at full speed to support our NHS partners to vaccinate on a daily basis, with drop-in clinics available all across the borough.

“We are also continuing to bring vaccination to people’s doorstep as some might find it difficult to travel to a clinic. 

“Betty the mobile vaccination bus has been a great success and will keep on going to different areas of the borough in the next weeks so as many people as possible get protected – you can check the bus schedule and other local vaccination clinics on the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care website. 

“Anyone who is feeling unsure about having the jab, please come to the bus or one of the clinics and discuss with the vaccination team - they can talk through your concerns.

 “Let’s safely enjoy the ease of restrictions and continue to do all we can to protect each other and other community.”