16/09/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases rise as children return to school

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

During the seven-day period between 3-9 September 2021:      

  • 1,145 new cases reported      
  • An increase of 18% on the previous week      
  • The 7-day infection rate for Shropshire was 351.9 per 100,000      
  • It was 345.2 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 317.9 for England    
  • 35 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients   
  • 7 COVID-19-related deaths in a local hospital    

Coronavirus cases 3-9 September

 Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: 

As predicted, with schools returning and offices getting busier after the summer break, the number of positive cases is on the rise again. The health protection team is currently managing 70 COVID-19 outbreaks, mainly across schools, with 32 new outbreaks declared in the last week.  

Testing rates are high across Shropshire, meaning we can monitor the spread of the virus and manage it appropriately. We will continue to work closely with schools, businesses and public venues to ensure they are well supported. 

This week the government announced its recommendation for 12 to 15-year-olds to receive one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This will help prevent disruption to education, however, it is not compulsory.  Young people and their parents should be supported in making this decision and in whatever choice they make. 

Sadly, we have seen a further seven deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals and a high number of hospitalisations. We are continuing to encourage people to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of serious illness. There is still plenty of opportunity to get the jab, first and second doses, at walk-in clinics around the county.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire council’s Cabinet member for public health, said: 

Thank you to everyone in Shropshire who is playing their part and doing what they can to minimise the spread of coronavirus. I know it is frustrating to see COVID-19 cases rising, but it is encouraging to see so many people in our county testing regularly, wearing face masks where necessary and social distancing to keep each other safe. 

If you haven’t yet had your vaccine, or are due the second dose, please don’t delay it any longer. If you have concerns, speak to your GP or a clinician at one of the county’s walk-in centres.

A full list of vaccination clinics is available here.