Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) published Telford & Wrekin’s coronavirus figures for the week ending 1 November 2020 yesterday. There were 443 positive cases last week, compared to 396 cases in the week ending 25 October. With cases continuing to rise across the country, England was placed under lockdown as of 5 November.
The coronavirus figures for Telford & Wrekin for the week ending 1 November 2020 showed that:
- 443 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
- The seven day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 246 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population
- For the West Midlands the average is 269 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population
- For England the average is 228 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population
- 7 cases relate to care homes
- 26 cases relate to educational settings
- At least 13 cases are students relating to Harper Adams
- The remaining people are in the community across the borough
- Infection rates are now highest among those in their 30s, 40s and 50s and continues to rise in the over 60s
- 3 people have died from covid-19 in the past week
- There are currently 43 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals
Confirmed cases per 100,000 of the population are now 11% higher than reported last week, when Telford & Wrekin was placed into Tier Two restrictions. Then there were 220 confirmed cases per 100,000, compared to 246 confirmed cases per 100,000 now.
Though growth rates have slowed compared to previous reports, they are still on the increase. TWC officials are most concerned that infection rates in the over-60s age group are growing.
“Of particular concern is that the infection rate in the over 60s – that is about 150 per 100,000 – continues to increase,” Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health, said in TWC’s Newsroom post. “These are the age groups we need to keep safe.
“It is important to note that the virus is highest in those in their 30s, 40s and 50s,” Liz Noakes said. “Everyone needs to be watchful, and ensure they don’t pass on the virus to older and other vulnerable members of their family.”
This comes as the whole of England entered a second period of lockdown restrictions. Starting yesterday (5 November), the lockdown is expected to last for four weeks, until 2 December. Some, including the leaders of both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils, have warned that it could last longer, however.
For at least the next four weeks, people should stay at home as much as possible, and not meet people from other households/support bubbles. Non-essential businesses are closed, including gyms, pubs, restaurants, and ‘non-essential retail’. Unlike during the last lockdown however, schools will remain open. For the full list of restrictions and exceptions, see the Gov.uk “New national restrictions” article.
If you need help or advice during the lockdown, groups such as Telford MIND and the Citizens Advice Bureau are continuing to support people. Lawley and Overdale Parish Council is continuing to work during the lockdown – find out how to contact us.
In the meantime, remember to keep to social distancing, keep washing your hands, and avoid touching your face. If you experience COVID symptoms, you should self-isolate and get a test.
“The way to fight the spread of the virus is to isolate and get tested as soon as you have any of the three key coronavirus symptoms, however mild. You should isolate immediately once you have symptoms,” Liz Noakes said.
“You can book a test 24/7 online, or by calling 119.”