Covid-19 cases rise in Telford and Wrekin
The number of new coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin have risen, bringing Telford and Wrekin in line with the national average, the latest figures show.
There were 715 new Covid-19 cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the last seven-day period (14-20 February), 208 more than the 507 recorded in the previous period.
For the week ending 6 March:
• 715 Covid-19 cases reported, 208 more compared to the previous week.
• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 394 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 294 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 393 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• Sadly, one further death has been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. (The total number of borough deaths since the start of the pandemic is 344.)
• There were 66 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals on 9 March, higher than the 49 patients on 2 March.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said:
"Over the past two years, lives have been saved thanks to the efforts of local residents during this difficult time.
"However, the pandemic is not yet over, and new variants remain a potential threat.
"We still have a high number of patients in hospitals with Covid-19.
"It remains essential to practice good hand hygiene, wear face-coverings in crowded places, and to stay home when unwell.
"Free testing continues until 31 March, and I would still recommend taking a rapid test when meeting with people at greater risk of severe illness with Coronavirus after that.
"By undertaking these small but vital precautions, we will be better able to live with the virus."
Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-Being, Equalities and Partnerships (Labour), said:
"Our borough continues to have a high vaccination rate, an acknowledgement of our residents' commitment to fighting this virus.
"Vaccines remain our first line of defence against Covid-19 - each one protects the most vulnerable members of our community as well as the person receiving it from becoming seriously unwell.
"It's never too late to get vaccinated, and many residents are still coming forward to get their jabs and boosters.
"Everyone is welcome to drop-by at a vaccination clinic as they continue to be open across the borough.
"You can check the list of local clinics on Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System website.
"We will continue to work with our NHS partners to ensure vaccines are easily accessible across the borough – especially as around 29,000 residents are yet to have any vaccinations."
