Shropshire Star

'This crisis in Shropshire, the numbers are not good': Residents warned not to drop their guard amid high infection rates

The region’s leaders have warned people not to drop their guard as coronavirus infection rates remain at sky-high levels.

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There has been a recent fall in rates of infection as lockdown restrictions take effect, but council chiefs in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin have stressed the need to keep following the rules.

It comes as 388 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 have now died at the county’s health trusts since the start of the pandemic.

Shropshire’s major hospitals remain under significant pressure and are now being supported by military personnel.

Shropshire Council leader Peter Nutting says the county cannot afford to take the pressure off, with hospitals expecting demand to soar over the next two to three weeks.

He said: “It’s really important to follow the rules. This crisis in Shropshire, the numbers are not good.

“We need to keep washing our hands, keep a safe distance and wear a mask.

“Everyone has to be sensible and stay at home as much as they can.”

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Shaun Davies said: “It’s good news that the case numbers are starting to reduce but that is from the high end of the mark.

“It’s still very dangerous in terms of the levels of Covid in our community.

“It’s really important to continue to follow the rules and only go out when we absolutely have to and make sure we are following those rules strictly.”

Infection rates, although showing a slight fall in the week to January 13, stood at 410.7 per 100,000 people in Shropshire, 513.2 in Telford & Wrekin and 200 in Powys. However, levels continued to climb in Wrexham – bucking the trend for the region, where the rate was 836.

It comes as preparations are being made to open mass vaccination centres in the county, including at Telford International Centre which is due to open next week.

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