'Shropshire cannot afford another lockdown': Call to 'Step Up' the fight after 75 new Covid cases

Public health bosses said everyone must now play a part in stopping its spread, particularly the younger and working age population, following a rise in positive cases.

A new ‘Step Up Shropshire’ campaign has been now launched to reinforce key public health messages. Residents should protect themselves and others by continuing to wash their hands regularly, wear face coverings in enclosed spaces, and staying at least one metre apart from people not in their own household.

In addition, residents should work from home if possible, limit contact with others, keep a distance of two metres from those not in the same household bubble, and stick to a maximum group of six when meeting socially – indoors or outdoors.

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Shropshire’s director of public health, Rachel Robinson, said: “All across the county from Clun to Craven Arms and Wem to Whitchurch everyone has made enormous sacrifices over the past few months.

“We are at a point where we need everyone to step up and help cut the rate of infections. The recent rise in local cases and the Government’s latest measures means we cannot afford to let our guard down.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our case rate down and avoid another lockdown.

“The message of this campaign is simple. Everyone in Shropshire needs to step up and play our part. Wash your hands, keep your distance and wear a face covering when you need to.

“If you think you have symptoms, no matter how mild, book a test immediately and if you test positive make sure you self-isolate for at least 10 days. If you fall ill, everyone who lives at your property must also self-isolate.

"Staying at home, means not going out for any reason, including to work, or to the shops.”

New fines introduced

The campaign has been launched as new local lockdowns, further restrictions and tough new fines for failing to self-isolate were coming into force across parts of the UK.

People across England will be legally required to self-isolate from this week if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by the test and trace service.

If they do not they risk being hit with new fines starting at £1,000 and increasing up to £10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

People who test positive for Covid-19 will also be fined if they knowingly provide false information about close contacts to the test and trace service.

The DHSC said that police will check compliance in the highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups based on “local intelligence”.

'Everyone has a role to play'

Shropshire Council’s adult social care chief Councillor Dean Carroll added: “Salopians are famous for stepping up to the plate in the face of adversity – and now we need people to do this more than ever.

“To put it bluntly, Shropshire cannot afford another lockdown.

“Everyone in Shropshire has a role to play – by getting tested if they have any symptoms, making sure they continue to socially distance, washing their hands, wearing face coverings and meeting socially in groups of a maximum of six people, indoors or outdoors.

“Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household, if they have symptoms. All tests must be booked in advance. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or online.”

Staying safe

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Use hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol content

• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

• Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.

• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.