 Coronavirus weekly figures: 1-7 October In the week of 1-7 October, the number of positive cases fell slightly to 1,376 – a decrease of 13% on the previous week. However, the infection rate for Shropshire remains higher than the national and regional averages. There were 30 hospital beds at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals occupied by COVID-19 positive patients and sadly, there were five deaths. More than 80 schools have reported two or more linked cases, so we are working closely with education settings to try and control the spread of the virus.   Keep an eye out for an invite if you are eligible Residents in Shropshire who are eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab are being urged to book their appointments as soon as possible. The NHS is predicting a significant surge in flu cases this winter, alongside rising COVID-19 cases. We are urging anyone who is eligible, to book or head to a walk-in clinic when they receive their invitation. Invites are being sent out via text, letter or email.  Head to a walk-in clinic for your COVID-19 booster If you are eligible for your COVID-19 booster vaccine, you can now drop into a walk-in site - a minimum of six months after your second dose. Four walk-in clinics have been set up in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin: - Emmanuel Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Shrewsbury SY1 3HY
- Wem Scout and Guide HQ, Bowens Field, Wem, Shrewsbury SY4 5AP
- Woodside Pharmacy, Park Lane Community Centre, Park Lane, Telford, TF7 5QZ
- Turreff Hall, Turreff Avenue, Donnington, Telford, TF2 8HG
The NHS will be in touch to notify eligible people. Please bring along your invitation.  Don't guess - get a test The hours at the testing sites in Market Drayton and Ludlow have temporarily been increased. Residents can now book a test during the week between 9am and 6pm. Cases remain high in Shropshire so we are urging anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, to get tested. You can also book a test in Shrewsbury or Oswestry between 8am and 8pm. Click here to find out more about testing in Shropshire. The classic main three symptoms of COVID-19 are a new, continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell. However, those infected with the virus – especially children, do not always show the typical symptoms. Anyone with the following precautionary symptoms is recommended to get a PCR test but do not have to self-isolate when they are waiting on their results. Precautionary symptoms may include: - Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Feeling tired without any good reason
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stomach pain in children
 Do your part to keep life moving Coronavirus is still in our towns and villages and we are seeing widespread community transmission. Our director of public health, Rachel Robinson, is urging residents not to return to their pre-pandemic ways. This means wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, social distancing where necessary, keeping indoor areas well ventilated and washing your hands regularly. These are simple things we can all do to help stop the spread of the virus in Shropshire. | 
