Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) published Telford & Wrekin’s coronavirus figures for the week ending 3 January 2021 yesterday. There were 802 confirmed COVID-19 cases last week, compared to 275 cases in the previous week. That is a 192% increase overall.
The coronavirus figures for Telford & Wrekin for the week ending 13 December 2020 showed that:
- 802 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
- This is a 192% rise compared with last week’s total of 275 cases
- The seven day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 446 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- For the West Midlands, the seven day infection rate is 548 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- For England, the seven day infection rate is 608 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- Sadly, 1 person in the borough has died from Covid-19 in the past week (bringing the total borough deaths to 144)
- There were 72 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals, as of 3 January
Although the cause of the increase is unclear, TWC suspects that it is a combination of the new coronavirus variant circulating in the borough, in addition to households mixing over Christmas.
Of particular concern to the Council is that over 60s – the age group most likely to suffer serious complications – have experienced a 109% increase in cases.
The Council is urging people to adhere to the national lockdown restrictions.
In TWC’s Newsroom post, Director of Public Health, Liz Noakes, recommended that “people need to act like everyone has the virus, and that they may be carrying the virus themselves – 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 show no symptoms.”
“If you show any symptoms of coronavirus you must urgently self-isolate and get tested,” Liz Noakes added. “Getting a test is one of the reasons people can leave home in this lockdown.”
The Newsroom post also highlights that the rapid-testing centre at The Place, Oakengates, which opened for invite-only rapid testing last month, is now open for any resident without symptoms to book a test. People from certain wards in the borough are being urged to book a test.
“The rapid testing centre at the Place, Oakengates, is now open to any resident who is not displaying symptoms to get tested,” Liz Noakes said. “Especially those people who can’t avoid leaving home for work.
“In particular, we are calling on residents in seven of Telford and Wrekin’s wards to get a rapid test, as rates in these wards exceed 550 per 100,000.
“If you live in Newport North & West, Apley Castle, Shawbirch, Horsehay & Lightmoor, Priorslee, Admaston & Bratton, and St Georges and are not showing any symptoms – please book a rapid test at the Place, Oakengates next week.”
Rapid tests can be booked online via TWC’s website.
The continuing advice is for people to to wash their hands regularly, wear masks, only leave home for essential reasons such as food shopping, and to practice social distancing. NHS England has a full list of steps you can take to help stop the spread of the virus.
People with coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and book a standard coronavirus test as soon as possible. You can book a test 24/7 online, or by calling 119.