 England will move to the final stage of easing of coronavirus restrictions on 19 July, meaning all legal restrictions will be removed. But the changes do not come without risk as cases in Shropshire, and nationally, are continuing to rise and hospital admissions are on the up. There's still plenty of things we can do to help stop the spread. - Get both vaccines if you are eligible
- Test twice a week using a Lateral Flow Test
- Get a PCR test if you develop symptoms or are a contact with a positive case
- Follow the 10-day isolation rule where necessary
- Quarantine according to national guidelines when you travel
- Wear a face covering – especially indoors or in crowded places
- Minimise the number of social contacts and leave space where possible
- Meet friends outside where possible
- Work from home if you can
For a full list of changes visit the Government website.  One of the biggest changes from Monday is that there will no longer be a mandate to wear a face covering in public places. If you feel more comfortable wearing one though, please continue to do so. There will also be certain situations where people will be expected to wear one. For instance, all the major bus operators in Shropshire have told us that they are recommending that passengers wear one. Here is some advice from our director of public health, Rachel Robinson. She said: "I would recommend people continue to wear face coverings in certain situations, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces or where ventilation is poor. There will be some cases where it is company policy to wear a face covering, like healthcare settings. "Ultimately, I urge everyone to assess the situation they are in and make a sensible, informed decision on whether they need to wear a face covering or not. Masks are a key measure to stop transmission."  Vaccination sites across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are opening their doors to all adults this weekend as part of the national 'Grab a Jab' campaign. NHS COVID-19 vaccination sites will be operating across the region with anyone aged 18 or over able to turn up and 'grab a jab' without needing to book an appointment in advance. Sites offering walk in vaccinations can be found easily on the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care System website  Coronavirus figures in Shropshire from 2 to 8 July 2021 The data available from 2-8 July shows 568 positive COVID-19 cases – an increase of 24% on the previous week. It also shows hospitalisations are starting to rise, with 8 beds in local hospitals occupied by confirmed COVID-19 patients. Sadly, during this time, there was also one death in hospital. The majority of cases were once again in the younger, unvaccinated population – the average age was 29.   Georgina Rees who is backing a campaign to encourage young people to get their Covid 19 vaccination A major drive by the NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has been launched to encourage young people to get vaccinated. The initiative features young people across the region sharing their experiences and views of the vaccination. Georgina Rees, a volunteer at the Shrewsbury Vaccination Centre, is backing the campaign. Click on Read more to see what Georgina has to say. Residents in north Shropshire can get a PCR test in Wem this weekend – no appointment needed. The mobile testing unit (MTU) will be at Aston Street Car Park, Co-Op, Wem on 17 July and 18 July from 10am to 3pm. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with a positive case or have been in an environment which is not COVID-19-secure, please make use of the MTU and get a test. The requirements to wear a face covering and social distance at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford will remain in place after Monday, as will the restrictions on visiting, to help control the spread of COVID-19. Although COVID-19 restrictions will end in many settings from Monday, staff, patients, and visitors at all healthcare settings will need to continue to follow existing restrictions. | 
