15/07/2021 - Permalink

Continued rise in COVID-19 cases locally in period 2-8 July 2021

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

During the seven-day period between 2-8 July 2021: 

  • 568 new cases reported 
  • An increase of 24% on the previous week 
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 178.9 per 100,000 
  • It was 318.4 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 322.6 for England 
  • 8 hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients 
  • 1 COVID-19-related death in local hospitals 
COVID-19 cases locally 2-8 July 2021 infographic

COVID-19 cases locally 2-8 July 2021

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

“The figures show a continued rise in positive cases compared to the previous week, and a slow rise in hospital admissions. Once again, the majority of cases were in the younger, unvaccinated population, and the average age was just 29. Please protect yourself, your family and friends by getting both jabs as soon as possible.  

“The Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week about proceeding to Step 4 on Monday 19 July was no doubt welcomed by many residents, but it’s also important to remember that we are still very much in the pandemic, numbers are rising and we are asking people to continue to exercise a cautious approach. 

“Restrictions are lifting at a time where the virus is circulating in our communities in very high numbers. The best ways to limit and manage your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 remain the same: double vaccination, twice-weekly testing, continue to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces, good hygiene, proper ventilation indoors and isolating as soon as you get symptoms or are a close contact of a positive case.”  

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

“With restrictions easing next week, I urge everyone to protect themselves and get vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t already. 

“The uptake in Shropshire is impressive – more than 85% of adults have had their first jab and nearly 70% have had both. Let’s keep up the good work and keep our communities safe.  

“There is a big push at the moment to get our younger residents vaccinated. This is really important given the data, which shows it is younger, unvaccinated people who are more likely to catch the virus and become ill.”