 Coronavirus weekly figures: 10-16 September During the week 10-16 September, we have seen the number of cases in Shropshire fall slightly; however, the overall rate of infections across the county still remains high. While there was a slight decrease in numbers of cases last week, with the number of outbreaks in schools and the wider community continuing to rise, we are now seeing figures increase again since 16 September. Our health protection team is currently managing 74 COVID-19 outbreaks, mainly across schools. Sadly, we've seen a further 5 deaths in our hospitals, who continue to see an increase in hospitalisations of COVID-19 patients, the majority of which remain unvaccinated.  In an interview with BBC Radio Shropshire this morning, our director of public health Rachel Robinson urges Shropshire residents to continue following the guidelines. The callout follows the latest number of outbreaks across the county. To date there are 74 outbreaks, 48 of which are in school settings. Taking to BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Adam Green, Rachel explained that Shropshire was in a position at the moment of widespread community transmission, with case rates higher than the national and regional average. Rachel also added saying "this is the most outbreaks we've ever seen since the pandemic.". You can listen to the full interview below.   Keep following the latest guidelines to help stop the spread of coronavirus Residents urged not to return to pre-pandemic behaviours while cases remain high We are having to 'live with coronavirus', and while restrictions have relaxed, we urge everyone to continue to follow national guidelines by: - getting vaccinated
- testing regularly
- wearing face coverings in crowded spaces
- washing hands regularly
- letting fresh air in when indoors
- social distancing.
We know many people across Shropshire have been following, and continue to, follow the national guidelines. However, we're also seeing people disengaging with such advice. As we continue to see high cases in Shropshire, residents are being urged to keep following national guidance. We all need to take personal responsibility, not just for our safety but the safety of our loved ones, friends and our wider community. If we stop taking precautions, we will continue to see cases rise across Shropshire, more hospitalisations and sadly more deaths.  Covid-19 booster vaccinations are now being rolled out across Shropshire The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have started to offer covid booster jabs to people in eligible groups as of this week by appointment only. In line with the JCVI's advice, the following people will be offered a booster dose of the covid vaccine: - those living in residential care homes for older adults
- all adults aged 50 years or over
- frontline health and social care workers
- all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the Green Book: Greenbook COVID-19 chapter 14a (publishing.service.gov.uk))
- adult carers and those experiencing homelessness
- adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
The Pfizer vaccination will be the primary vaccine used as the booster, irrespective of whether you were previously vaccinated with Pfizer or AstraZeneca and should be given at least six months after your second dose. In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin booster jabs will be delivered by appointment only one of three ways: - Hospital Hubs/Vaccination Centres – at either The Robert Jones and Agnus Hunt Orthopedic Hospital, The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford or Coral House, Shrewsbury
- GP-led vaccination services
- Community Pharmacy-led sites
NHS are asking the public not to contact the NHS, including their GP practice, about this – and to wait to be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn.  A single dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to all healthy 12-15-year-olds Last week, the Government accepted the advice of the four Chief Medical Officers to offer a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine to all healthy 12-15-year-olds. The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is now working with the local School Aged Immunisation Service to deliver this vaccination programme in the coming weeks. Vaccinations for children aged 12-15 will mainly be delivered in schools and the local NHS is working with schools to identify suitable dates to visit. Parents, guardians, or carers of children aged 12-15 should have started to receive letters via their children's school from this week, with details of when the vaccination will be offered. They will be asked to provide consent for their child to receive the vaccination. Parents or guardians do not need to contact their local GP or other NHS services, nor make an appointment through the National Booking Service. This vaccination programme is in place to help protect your child against coronavirus (COVID-19), reduce transmission in schools and keep pupils in the classroom. Vaccinating your child will help protect more vulnerable friends and family by preventing COVID-19 from spreading. The vaccination is free and will be given by our COVID-19 Vaccination Team in collaboration with the School-Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS), who will be responsible for ensuring children receive their vaccination in schools.  Grab a jab at one of Shropshire's walk-in clinics If you are aged 16+, getting the COVID-19 vaccination couldn't be easier. There are several walk-in sites across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin where you can get the jab without even having to book an appointment, including Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre, the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Gobowen and Station Drive Surgery in Ludlow. The vaccination team has been out in the community this week vaccinating students at Shrewsbury Colleges Group. Nearly 60% of 16 and 17-year-olds in Shropshire have now been vaccinated. Getting two doses of the vaccine significantly reduces your chance of becoming seriously ill. Please note: 16 and 17-year-olds are currently only eligible for one dose. A full list of clinics is available here.  Find out which test is right for you Testing is a really important tool to allow the experts to monitor the spread of COVID-19. There are two types of test – LFT (rapid lateral flow test) and PCR but do you know the difference? Find out which test you need with this simple guide. For more information about testing in Shropshire click here.  Wash your hands regularly COVID-19 is still in our communities and is highly transmissible but there are still things we can all do to minimise the spread. Basic measures like washing your hands regularly and using hand gel are vitally important. Face masks are encouraged in crowded areas and social distancing is advised where necessary. These safer behaviours will help to protect yourself and others.  Take a test, even if you have mild symptoms With cases still high in Shropshire, it is vitally important to get a PCR test if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild. Symptoms include: - Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrohea
There is currently testing sites in Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry and Market Drayton or you can order a home testing kit. Click here to book online. | 
