Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) published Telford & Wrekin’s coronavirus figures for the week ending 21 February 2021 yesterday. There were 334 confirmed COVID-19 cases diagnosed last week, which is only a 2% decrease over the previous week. TWC says data suggests that COVID-19 transmission in workplaces remains a concern.
The coronavirus figures for Telford & Wrekin for the week ending 21 February 2021 showed that:
- 334 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
- This is a 2% decrease compared with last week’s total of 340 cases*
- The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 186 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 156 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- For England, the seven-day infection rate is 116 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000
- Sadly, 10 people in the borough have died within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test in the past week (bringing the total borough deaths to 241)
- There were 81 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals, as of 21 February
*(this figure has been revised up from 336 last week)
As with the previous week, this 2% decrease is below the regional and national average, says TWC, and the Council is concerned that workplace transmissions may be a cause.
“Looking at local cases, we can see that transmission in the workplace is a reason why our infection rate is not falling as quickly when compared to other areas,” said Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health, in a Newsroom post.
TWC is encouraging people who cannot work from home to book a rapid test at least twice a week.
“We have several rapid test centres across the borough where you can get results in 30 minutes,” said Liz Noakes. “A rapid test can provide peace of mind to let you know your family is safe.
“It is especially important the people who test positive or are close contacts self isolate for 10 days – which is a legal requirement.
“Another way that working-age people can avoid spreading the virus is to avoiding car-sharing where possible,” she added. “Following hands-face-space when you’re at work or on a break remains the best way to prevent the spread in the workplace as well.”
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.