 Coronavirus weekly figures: 3-9 September The number of COVID-19 cases rose during the week of 3-9 September. There were 1,145 positive cases recorded – an increase of 18% on the previous week. This means the 7-day infection rate per 100,000 in Shropshire is higher than the regional and national averages. The number of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients also remains high and there were a further seven deaths in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals. The majority of people admitted to hospital with the virus were unvaccinated. Rachel Robinson, director of public health, is urging people to remain vigilant and do their part to minimise the spread of COVID-19.   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.  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.  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.  All care home workers must be vaccinated by 11 November The deadline to be vaccinated for anyone working or volunteering in a care home is fast approaching. By 11 November anyone working in a CQC-registered care home in England must have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical exemption. Find out more from the government here. | 
