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  Helping to keep you informed of the latest coronavirus news in Shropshire.
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492 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Shropshire last week – the lowest weekly figure since December 2020.
We would like to thank you all for your efforts in helping to reduce the number of positive cases – and we must keep going.
 
 Olivia Evans, a health worker at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, was anxious about booking a vaccination appointment because she is still breastfeeding her nine-month-old son Raymond.
It took Olivia a couple of weeks – and a lot of research – to take the plunge, and she is now keen to encourage other mums in her position to get vaccinated when offered the chance.
Overall our infection rate in the county has been coming down, but not as fast as we would like. We know that businesses and organisations are working hard to keep their sites COVID-19-safe, but we have seen a recent spike in cases linked to workplaces.
Whether you’re a staff member or business owner, please continue to do all you can to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
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A new rapid COVID-19 testing site opens in Wem on Monday 22 February, to help protect essential and other workers who cannot work from home.
The new centre will be at The Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Noble Street, Wem, SY4 5DT.
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People with symptoms can now also get tested at Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre Car Park, Newport Road, Market Drayton, TF9 1JT.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, should self-isolate immediately and book a test by ringing 119 or visiting the GOV.UK website.
We have been proud to play our part in helping with the county’s monumental vaccination efforts.
Our staff have stepped up in a big way to help – including creating a brand new car park from scratch at Ludlow Racecourse! Shaun Sutton from our Highways team explains how.
 
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If your income is taking a hit due to having to self-isolate, you could be entitled to claim a £500 support payment.
If anyone is facing real financial hardship, due to the pandemic, further help may be available. Visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.
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Having successfully offered vaccines to all those in the top four priority groups, the NHS in Shropshire has now started vaccinating people aged 65 to 69, and those who are 16-64 who have underlying health conditions or are clinically vulnerable - priority groups 5 and 6.
Letters are being sent from the National Booking Service inviting people aged 65 to 69 to book an appointment or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
Residents who have their COVID-19 vaccination booked at Severn Fields Medical Practice in Shrewsbury can now access a free shuttle bus service.
The free shuttle service runs to the new Shrewsbury Vaccination Centre at Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre on Sundorne Road, which is next to the medical practice.
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More businesses in Shropshire are being offered the opportunity to take part in a rapid COVID-19 testing programme for their staff.
Testing for people without symptoms helps to identify and isolate cases and break the chain of transmission.
A number of local businesses and organisations have been supported by the council to help deliver their own training for staff.
We can help businesses with equipment, training, and all the advice they need to establish their own testing programmes.
To find out more email lateralflow.phtraining@shropshire.gov.uk
Providing a safe space for victims of domestic abuse to disclose their situation and ask for help and support is vitally important, even more so during the current coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) is a codeword scheme to provide a discreet way for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need emergency help from the safety of their local pharmacy.
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For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for information, advice, guidance and support available for residents and businesses in Shropshire no matter what your circumstances.
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