Stay local and don't risk a hug this Easter, urge health bosses
Health officials have pleaded with the public to stick to Covid guidelines amid fears the Easter weekend could lead to a fresh spike in cases.
The bank holiday weekend comes at the end of a week which has seen the largest relaxation of restrictions since the third lockdown started in January.
With the long weekend ahead Shropshire Council’s director of public health, Rachel Robinson, and the West Midlands public health chief Katie Spence, have both urged people to stick to social distancing rules when meeting family and friends and resist having handshakes and hugs.
The warm weather has seen people across the county flock to outdoor spaces in recent days.
Mrs Robinson said that although the number of cases in Shropshire remains among the lowest in the region, people should follow the rules to ‘stay local’.
Ms Spence said that there was a concern that the fresh relaxation in rules could lead to more cases.
It comes as the decline in the infection rate across the county has slowed this week, following considerable drops over the past few weeks.
Latest figures put the rate of cases per 100,000 people at 29 for Shropshire, 31 for Telford & Wrekin, and 18 for Powys.
Mrs Robinson said: “This week’s easing of restrictions is the positive result of everyone’s hard work to stop the spread and reduce the number of coronavirus cases.
“Everyone across Shropshire has gone to remarkable lengths to protect themselves, their loved ones and our most vulnerable, and we are truly grateful for the way in which communities have united to support each other through the restrictions.
“In the run-up to Easter people will need to remember that the government guidance is to stay local. There should be no long-distance travelling or overnight stays, which includes single households staying in a second home.
"The government guidance also makes it clear that non-essential shops, restaurants and bars are still closed, with very limited takeaway outlets open.
“While many will be delighted that they can once again see friends and family again, I would urge everyone to continue following public health guidance.
"We also ask our own residents thinking of travelling within Shropshire, to show our local communities respect and courtesy.
"This includes the simple things like parking responsibly, respecting the countryside and taking litter away.”
Ms Spence added: "I am concerned that with the freedoms given to us this week, especially with socialising over the Easter bank holiday, rates could go up again. We need people to stick to the rules, otherwise the roadmap is at risk."
