Covid-19 cases in Telford and Wrekin remain stable
The number of new coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin continues to remain stable, the latest figures show.
There were 39 new cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the past seven days (26 April - 2 May), seven fewer than the previous seven-day period.
The borough's infection rate is similar to the regional and national average.
For the week ending 2 May, the COVID-19 situation in the borough is:
• 39 Covid-19 cases have been reported, seven fewer compared to the previous week
• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 22 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 19 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 21 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• Zero residents have died within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test in the past week (the total borough deaths remains at 257)
• There were four people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals, as of 2 May
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said: "Cases have been between 35 and 55 for several week's now in Telford and Wrekin.
"Several of the new cases can be linked to the cluster of cases in Hadley and Leegomery involving the mutation of the UK-variant.
"We don’t know yet if these new cases are the mutation of the UK Covid variant, but each of these cases will be sequenced in a laboratory to confirm who has the mutation of the Covid-19 variant.
"We continue to monitor the situation closely.
"Testing in the cluster continues; schools in the area are now distributing test kits directly to families.
"I want to say thank you to all those people who have been tested already. Each one helps us to track and stop the spread of the virus."
As part of a targeted testing campaign to track the mutation of the UK-variant, Telford and Wrekin Council are asking groups of people in Telford and Wrekin to get tested.
The council is asking the following to get a PCR Covid-19 test even if they are not showing symptoms:
- Families with school-aged children in Hadley and Leegomery;
- Their extended families, friends, bubbles,
- and residents in Hadley & Leegomery.
Hadley testing centre remains open and no appointment is necessary.
A PCR test can be booked on the government website for any other test site; when booking, people should say the 'council has asked me to get tested even though I do not have symptoms.
Self-isolation is only required if people have symptoms or if they later receive confirmation of a positive test.
Public Health England has advised that there is no evidence the mutation of the UK-variant causes more serious illness.
Cllr Andy Burford, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:
"Once again, coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin remain low, but we are continuing to monitor this mutation closely.
"It's been wonderful to see the response of the local community doing their bit and getting tested.
"New variants and mutations of the Coronavirus underline why we all need to continue to play our part by getting a rapid test twice a week.
"Even if you feel well and have been vaccinated, you should get tested twice a week. You could spread the virus without knowing it.
"It's straightforward to do, pick up a home testing kit from the many collection points across the borough or go to one of our rapid testing sites."
"Anybody who tests positive on a rapid test should go on to get a PCR Covid-19 test."
