Cases fall as restrictions lift
The number of new coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin has fallen for the fifth week in a row, the latest figures show.
There were 693 new Covid-19 cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the last seven-day period (14-20 February), 380 less than the 1,073 recorded in the previous seven-day period.
For the week ending 20 February:
• 693 Covid-19 cases reported, 380 less compared to the previous week.
• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 382 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 357 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 415 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
• Sadly, one further death has been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. (The total number of borough deaths since the start of the pandemic is 339.)
• There were 43 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals on 23 February, equal to the 43 patients on 16 February.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said:
"It's encouraging to see another week where our local Covid-19 cases have declined significantly.
"This has been down to the efforts of local people who followed the rules, made sacrifices and had their vaccinations.
"It has been a long two years, and so I would like to say a big thank you to our residents who have played their part. Restrictions will soon come to an end, and lives have been saved due to these actions.
"However, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and new variants remain a potential threat.
"As a council, we remain ready to act and to protect the local population should it be needed.
"We now need to live with the virus by continuing to take those small but effective precautions, such as good hand hygiene, wearing a face-covering in crowded places, and staying home when unwell.
Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-Being, Equalities and Partnerships (Labour), added:
"We have been blown away by the community's response to the pandemic in the last two years.
"The community response to the booster vaccine has been fantastic to see.
"So far, 82.3% of our residents eligible for the booster have had theirs.
"Many of our residents who were at first hesitant or who couldn't get fully vaccinated due to catching Covid are still coming forward to get their jabs and boosters. Vaccination clinics continue to be open across the borough.
"You can check the list of local clinics on Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System website. Anyone with any vaccination concerns is more than welcome to drop by and speak to a clinician.
"Vaccines remain key to how we fight Covid-19 now and in the future, and so the council will continue to work with our NHS partners to ensure the vaccines are available for everyone."
