Latest Covid-19 infection rates in Telford and Wrekin
The number of new coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin has decreased in the last week but continues to be above the national and regional average, the latest figures show.
As of 28 January, Telford and Wrekin has the tenth highest seven-day case rate nationally.
For the week ending 23 January:
• 2,425 Covid-19 cases reported, 773 less compared to the previous week.
• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 1,337 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 1,055 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 1,043 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• Sadly, five further deaths have been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. (The total number of borough deaths since the start of the pandemic is 326.)
• There were 58 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals on 2 February, down from 66 patients on 26 January.
On 31 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) changed the methodology for reporting cases to include possible reinfections.
Any positive test occurring 90 days after a previous positive test is now included as a new case.
Previously an individual would only be included in the case data once regardless of the number of positive tests.
Using this methodology, the number of cases has been revised back to the start of the pandemic.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said:
"It is excellent news to see restrictions continue to ease and normality resume; however, our cases remain high, and this continues to put pressure on our local NHS.
"To help keep cases low, we are asking for people to continue to take sensible precautions.
"Face coverings help to reduce transmission, so please continue to wear a face-covering if you can, particularly in crowded and enclosed spaces.
"Even if you're vaccinated, you could still catch the virus or pass it on, so please test regularly.
"Vaccination clinics continue to be open across the borough and happy to answer any questions you might have - it's never too late to get vaccinated.
Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-Being, Equalities and Partnerships (Labour), added:
"The sickest patients with Coronavirus in hospitals are those who have not had their vaccinations or the booster.
"A vaccination helps prevent you from becoming seriously ill or developing any long-term effects such as long COVID.
"Many residents have come forward already as 81.6% of our residents eligible for the booster have had one."
Information about local vaccination clinic's (including ‘Betty’ the vaccination bus) and their opening times can be found on the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care System website
