Fall in Shropshire Covid case rates 'hugely encouraging'
Shropshire has seen its lowest weekly infection rate since September, with a leading public health official describing the development as "hugely encouraging".
The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people. In the seven days up to March 4 the infection rate for Shropshire was 49.8, while Telford & Wrekin's rate has dropped to 54.5 according to the latest figures. The rate in Powys currently stands at 39.3.
For the Shropshire Council area the figures represent a decrease of 50 per cent in the number of cases reported – 161.
The directors of public health at Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Council, Rachel Robinson and Liz Noakes, have both praised the part the public have played in the reductions.
Mrs Robinson said: “The sharp reduction in confirmed cases in Shropshire is hugely encouraging.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts and sacrifices of Shropshire residents, who continue to play their part in the battle to get back to normal.
“It is really important that people follow the current Covid-19 guidance and help us continue on the road to recovery.
“It has been a very difficult few months and I know that people are keen to get out and enjoy the brighter days, but it is also important to keep safe and stop the spread of the virus.
“From experience, we know that when restrictions are eased, people become complacent and cases creep up. If we want to move back to normality as quickly as possible, it is vital that everyone follows the rules.”
Mrs Noakes added: “I am pleased to say that Telford and Wrekin’s infection rate has dropped sharply, and we are now below the regional and national average.
Acknowledge
“We have only managed this thanks to the sacrifices our residents have made and continue to make to help control this virus.
“As a result children can now return to school, which is so important to their mental health and learning.
“But we must acknowledge that we are not out of the woods yet.
“If we don’t continue to play our part and follow the rules then cases may rise and lives will be lost.
"So I would urge families to have a rapid test twice every week as such testing will be vital in reducing local cases by containing outbreaks early.
“As we open up the council will be working with schools and workplaces to ensure they are covid secure – and we will be monitoring cases very carefully going forward.”
It comes as Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, has urged parents to make use of testing as children return to schools.
He said: “It is really important we all play our part in keeping our schools open and moving the country down the roadmap to recovery.
“Schools, parents and pupils across Shropshire have done a fantastic job in adapting to remote learning. However, we believe that classroom learning is vital to our children and young people’s development.
“We have an outstanding testing offer here in Shropshire. Twice-weekly testing using rapid lateral flow tests is available for free to all adults in households with primary school, secondary school and college-aged children for those without symptoms.
“This includes adults in childcare and support bubbles, as well as adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers, taxi drivers and after school club leaders.
“I urge all parents take up this offer where possible and play their roles in slowing the spread of the virus.”
