|
 Helping to keep you informed of the latest coronavirus news in Shropshire.
|
|
|
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister detailed the initial steps that will see the easing of the third Lockdown restrictions in England. The planned stages are:-
 Government roadmap step 1 and 2
 Government roadmap step 3 and 4
However, all these stages will be dependent on the impact of other measures on the spread of the virus, and may be reviewed.This is why it’s vital we all continue to follow the rules, to help ensure we can hit each stage.
 Coleham Primary School in Shrewsbury
The first step is the return of all pupils to schools, and students to colleges.
- All pupils will begin to return to school on 8 March, with secondary schools and colleges having testing measures in place
- All primary school pupils will return on Monday 8 March. Secondary schools may have a more staggered reopening from this date.
- Primary school pupils are not required to take any COVID-19 tests if asymptomatic.
- All secondary school pupils and college students will take three COVID-19 tests as they return to their studies.These will be organised by their school or college.
- Staff, pupils and students in secondary schools and colleges should wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained
Essential workers without COVID-19 symptoms can now book a rapid test at a number of pharmacies in Shropshire, allowing greater access to testing in some of our more rural areas of the county.
The pharmacies offering pre-booked appointments are located in:
- Bishop’s Castle
- Cleobury Mortimer
- Craven Arms
- Ellesmere
- Highley
- Oswestry
- Pontesbury
- Shrewsbury
You can book a test here.
|
|
Walk-in rapid testing, without the need for booking, is also now available for people unable to work from home.
Opening hours at the walk-in rapid testing sites are from 8am-5pm daily. No prior booking is required.
The new testing sites are at:-
- Bridgnorth Community Centre, Severn Street, Bridgnorth, WV14 6BB
- Shifnal Cricket Club, Priorslee Road, Shifnal, TF11 8HD
- The Victoria Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry, SY11 2HT
|
|
|
|
Unpaid carers aged 18-64 can book a vaccination appointment via the national booking system without receiving a letter.To be eligible, you must be in receipt of carers allowance.
Carers can book online or call 119 free of charge, between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.
Shropshire GP Dr Priya George answers some COVID-19 vaccines questions from the Muslim community.
 Dr Priya George
|
|
 Latest coronavirus figures in Shropshire 12 to 18 February
Despite a slight reduction in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the numbers in Shropshire remain high.
428 new cases were reported in the county for the week 12-18 February – a decrease of 13% compared to the previous week.
Unfortunately, we are still seeing outbreaks in a number of settings, including workplaces and care homes.
We have been made aware that unsolicited text messages are being sent to some people, purporting to offer a COVID-19 grant due to the current Lockdown.
The text includes a link to ‘claim’ the grant, and starts with the words “GOV.UK” and ends with “govuk.com”, suggesting the text message has been sent by or on behalf of the Government. It hasn’t.
Residents are reminded to never reveal your bank details, passwords, or PIN number. If you receive a suspicious text, trading standards advises that you report it and/or delete it.
If you have any concerns about trading practices relating to coronavirus, COVID-19 or any other issue, you should report these to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
 Image of scam message
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
