Drop in reports of new coronavirus cases – but fall is slower in Telford than rest of country
The number of new coronavirus cases is declining slower in Telford & Wrekin than the rest of the country, latest figures show.
The infection rate decreased by 20 per cent in the borough, compared to 23 per cent the week before.
Last week, 566 people were diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Wrekin.
Meanwhile, there were 677 new cases reported in the area covered by Shropshire Council in the week to January 28.
Cases had fallen by 42 per cent compared to the previous week.
Health chiefs are again encouraging people only to leave their homes for essential reasons, and those unable to work from home are asked to get a rapid test every three to five days.
Liz Noakes, Telford & Wrekin’s director for public health, said: “Infection rates in Telford and Wrekin are not falling as fast when compared to the West Midlands and England.
“Staying at home and reducing travel is the main way we can reduce our cases – only go out for essential reasons, reduce the amount of trips you make to the shops and one person should be doing the shopping.
“If you show any symptoms of coronavirus you must urgently self-isolate and get tested.
"Getting a test is one of the reasons people can leave home in this lockdown.
"During a winter lockdown staying at home can be difficult, but doing so will bring down our cases faster, and reduces pressure on our local NHS ensuring that the NHS is there for us should we need them.”
Andy Burford, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for health and social care, echoed this plea.
He added: “Everyone wants to get back to normal as quickly as possible, to reunite with families and to be able to go out more often.
“The way we can do this is by following the rules and staying at home, I know this is a difficult time for us all, particularly in these long winter days.
“In the coming weeks and months we must continue to play our part in following lockdown rules even if you have been immunised – and I’d like to thank everyone who is doing this.”
It comes as the death toll of coronavirus patients at Shropshire's hospitals has now reached more than 470 since the start of the pandemic.
