 Weekly figures: 3-9 December From 3-9 December there were 1,662 new cases reported in Shropshire – a 2% decease on the previous week. Latest figures show, however, that cases have risen again since. There were 27 people in our local hospitals being treated for COVID-19 and sadly, there were 8 further deaths during this time. Shropshire public health is also dealing with 35 ongoing outbreaks, with a further 21 declared since the last update. The majority of these are in workplace settings and schools.   The vaccination team at the Darwin Centre The pop-up vaccination clinic at the Darwin Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury will be open 7 days a week in the run up to Christmas. Shropshire Council has been working with NHS partners to extend the opening hours of the clinic to support the national COVID-19 booster campaign, and help offer booster jabs and vaccinations to 160,000 people by the end of December. The clinic will be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will re-open on 27 December. BBC Radio Shropshire's Faith Page caught up with our director of public health, Rachel Robinson, at the Darwin Shopping Centre this week. Rachel explained the importance of getting the jab, whether it's the first or second dose, or the booster jab. If you missed it, you can listen here.  Betty the Bus A Shropshire Council bus that usually takes children to school and people to social day care centres is going on a new journey – joining the area's COVID-19 booster and vaccination drive. The bus was stripped of its seats and converted into a mobile vaccination unit that NHS teams can use across the area for pop-up clinics. We've nicknamed her Betty and you might just see her in a town or village near you soon! Winter can be a time of worry for individuals and families who are struggling to find money to pay essential bills and other outgoings - particularly as a result of the pandemic. Shropshire Council has been allocated just over £2million by the Government as part of a new Household Support Fund to help vulnerable people and families this winter. A few weeks ago, 3,600 low-income households that meet the criteria were sent letters advising them that they can apply for a one-off payment of £115 to support them in meeting their food, energy and other essential costs this winter. To date, nearly 2,700 residents have responded to the letter and received their payment, meaning over £310,000 has been paid out so far. You can find out what other winter support is on offer here. | 
