 Coronavirus weekly figures: 17-23 September There is still widespread community transmission right across Shropshire which has led to a significant rise in cases. During 17-23 September, there were 1,490 positive cases reported – an increase of 48% on the previous week. The number of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains high and there were a further seven deaths during this time. Shropshire's infection rate per 100,000 of the population is 457.9 – much higher than the national and regional averages. Rachel Robinson, director of public health, said this is partly because testing rates in the county are high, which means we are successfully finding the infections.   Skye McWilliams gets the vaccine Students at Bridgnorth Endowed School were the first school in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to be offered their COVID-19 vaccine. It comes as all children and young people aged 12-15 years are now being offered a single dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the Government accepted advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs). Our colleagues in the NHS are now working with the local School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) to deliver this vaccination programme.  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 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. Businesses are being urged to 'stay on their guard' against coronavirus to avoid any further restrictions being imposed during the coming months. The Government recently published its Autumn and Winter Plan, which sets out a series of measures for people to follow – and officials in Shrewsbury are urging businesses to take note. The plan says businesses have a responsibility to ensure their premises are well ventilated and that hand sanitiser should be available for all staff and customers.  Get a test - even if your symptoms are mild With coronavirus spreading rapidly in our communities, an additional mobile testing unit is being deployed to Cleobury Mortimer this weekend. The public can get a COVID-19 PCR test at Lacon Childe School between 9am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, is urged to get a test to help stop the spread of the virus. There is also testing provision in Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Market Drayton and Oswestry. Booking is essential. Click here or call 119. Criminals are using the NHS COVID- Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information. They are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media. The NHS COVID Pass is available to demonstrate your COVID-19 status either in a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119. The NHS will never ask for payment or any financial details.  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.  It is more important than ever to get vaccinated this winter It's easy for us to pass on viruses without knowing. This winter there are two essential vaccines you'll need to protect yourself and your loved ones – the flu vaccine, and the COVID-19 booster vaccine. Dangerous viruses spread quickly when we're all crowded together inside. That's why it is more important than ever to get vaccinated this autumn and winter. Find out if you are eligible here. | 
