Shropshire has highest COVID-19 rates in region

Shropshire has highest COVID-19 rates in the West Midlands.

During the seven-day period between 4-10 March 2022:  

• 2,187 new COVID-19 cases reported  
• An increase of 72% on the previous week  
• The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 672.1 per 100,000  
• It was 395.7 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 541.4 per 100,000 for England  
• 61 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients 
• 5 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital  

Shropshire Council’s director of public health, Rachel Robinson, said: “It has been nearly a month since legal restrictions were removed and we moved towards the Government’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan. Since then, cases have been rising in Shropshire and we currently have the highest rates in the West Midlands.

The number of cases nearly doubled last week, with 2,147 new cases reported between 4-10 March. This increase is being felt in the health and care system on both staff and in the numbers of patients being treated for the virus. 

“It is inevitable that the virus will spread without any measures. To live safely with Covid, and to protect our most vulnerable residents, as well as reducing the pressure on the NHS, we can all choose to do things which will help to reduce the rapid spread. While vaccination remains the best defence against COVID, at times when there is widespread community transmission, following hands-face-space-fresh air is still really important. 

“Don’t forget free testing is still available until March 31. If you are mixing with people in large groups or visiting someone potentially more vulnerable, please check for COVID-19 first by using a Lateral Flow Test. These are available in pharmacies, Shirehall in Shrewsbury and other community buildings such as libraries.”