Dear Blogger
Message from Shropshire Council.
  Helping to keep you informed of the latest coronavirus news in Shropshire. |
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 Coronavirus weekly figures from 6 until 12 August. In the week of 6-12 August, there were 878 positive COVID-19 cases reported in Shropshire – an increase of 40% on the previous week. There were 20 local hospital beds occupied by confirmed Coronavirus patients and sadly there were three deaths. The current infection rate for Shropshire is 269.8 per 100,000 which is slightly lower than the average in the West Midlands and England, but has increased significantly on the week before.   Help keep Shropshire safe by doing the six this summer There are six simple things you can do this summer to keep Shropshire safe: - Wash your hands regularly
- Wear a face mask in busy places or where ventilation is poor
- Ensure indoor areas are well ventilated
- Test twice a week using a Lateral Flow Test if you do not have symptoms or do a PCR test if you do develop symptoms
- Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Check into venues using the NHS COVID-19 app
Coronavirus is still in our communities so it is important we do everything we can to stop transmission. Just a few simple steps can help stop the spread of the virus and keep us all safe this summer.  Self-isolation rules have changed. Self-isolation rules changed on Monday for people who have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are double jabbed or under the age of 18, you will no longer be required to self-isolate if you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. However, if you do come into contact with a COVID-19 case, you are encouraged to get a PCR test to check.  Young people encouraged to get their jabs. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) issued new advice last week that all 16-and 17-year-olds should receive a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Young people in this age bracket can now head to one of the county's walk-in clinics and get the jab – no appointment needed. There is currently no advice on if and when 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered a second dose, but we will update you when that information is available.  Walk-in vaccinations at the Oswestry Balloon Carnival. The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is back in town this weekend and so is your friendly COVID-19 vaccination team. If you are aged 16+, head to Cross Street anytime between 9.15am and 7pm on Saturday, and join the millions already vaccinated. First and second dose Pfizer will be available - no appointment is needed. Please note you must wait eight or more weeks between vaccinations. | |
 Make sure you keep testing, even if you only have mild symptoms. With cases on the rise in Shropshire, the decision has been made to keep the MTU in Shifnal for another week. Testing is the key to tracking and slowing the spread of COVID-19, and ultimately keeping our communities safe. The MTU is based at Aston Street car park daily from 9am to 3pm. Booking is essential. If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, please go online and book a PCR test. If you are not based in the east of the county, you can book to get a test at one of the county's other sites. For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for information, advice, guidance and support available for residents and businesses in Shropshire no matter what your circumstances. | |
