Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) published Telford & Wrekin’s coronavirus figures for the week ending 13 December 2020 yesterday. There were 234 confirmed cases last week, compared to 205 cases in the week ending 6 December. That is a 14% increase overall.
The coronavirus figures for Telford & Wrekin for the week ending 13 December 2020 showed that:
- 234 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
- This is a 14% rise compared with last week’s total of 205 cases
- The seven day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 130 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
- For the West Midlands, the average is 185 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
- For England, the average is 217 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
- Infection rates in the over 60s in Telford and Wrekin, a higher risk group, are at 105 per 100k of population, while for those age 80 and over are at 123 per 100k of population – an even greater concern
- Sadly, 4 more people from the borough have died from Covid-19 in the past week (bringing the total borough deaths to 133)
- There were 58 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals, as of 6 December
TWC is urging people to be cautious over the Christmas period to avoid “undoing the hard work we have achieved in the past few weeks”.
“I know many people are doing this already but I would encourage people to be cautious and plan responsibly this Christmas – please ask yourself what you should be doing, not what you can do,” said Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health, in a TWC Newsroom post. “Not mixing households is the safest way to spend Christmas this year, I would urge people to think carefully about their specific circumstances in terms of extending their Christmas bubble and if it is a good idea.”
TWC is concerned that infection rates continue to rise in over-60s and over-80s, the age groups with the highest risks of developing complications as a result of coronavirus.
“With infection levels among over 60s rising before Christmas, we can expect this trend to continue,” said Liz Noakes. “Sadly, this means we can expect a rise in deaths and hospitalisations in the New Year.
“It is understandable that people want to enjoy Christmas by mixing and socialising with friends and family after months of being apart, but we must make sure we don’t undo the hard work we have achieved in the past few weeks.”
She added, “Coronavirus will not be taking holiday, please don’t give coronavirus this Christmas – be responsible.”
In the meantime, remember to keep social distancing, keep washing your hands, and avoid touching your face. NHS England has a full list of steps you can take to help stop the spread of the virus.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms, remember to self-isolate and book a test. You can book a test 24/7 online, or by calling 119.