Telford and Wrekin Council
9 December 2021
Stable but still high Covid-19 infection rate in Telford and Wrekin
 The number of new coronavirus cases has stabilised in the last week but continues to be well above the national and regional average - latest figures show.
There were 1,101 new coronavirus cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during 29 November – 5 December, almost the same as in the previous week.
For the week ending 5 December, Telford and Wrekin continues to be the highest in West Midlands in Covid-19 infection rate.
The number of patients in local hospitals with Covid-19 has more than halved over the last week - 23 patients as of 8 December, compared to 50 the previous week.
Sadly, three further deaths have been reported within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. The total number of borough deaths since the start of the pandemic is 297.
Get fully vaccinated - keeping your loved ones safe is the best gift you can give this Christmas
 The Covid-19 infection rate in Telford and Wrekin has stabilised in the last week, but continues to be the highest in West Midlands.
So far, we only had one confirmed Omicron case in our borough but we can expect more cases to be detected soon, as the national picture shows.
Omicron’s severity is still not fully known. Given its fast growth and the new national restrictions recently introduced, we cannot stress enough the importance of vaccination.
In the run up to the festive season, when we are getting together with family and friends, getting fully vaccinated should be top on Christmas check lists.
Walk-in vaccination clinics continue to take place in our borough.
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Every Saturday until Christmas, 11am-4pm
Southwater Library
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Every Friday until Christmas, 11.30am-3.30pm
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council Building, Wellington
Both of these clinics offer:
- aged 12–15: 1st dose
- aged 16 -17: 1st and 2nd doses. For the 2nd dose, there needs to be a minimum of 12 weeks from the first dose.
- aged 18 and over: 1st and 2nd doses. For the 2nd dose, there needs to be a minimum of 8 weeks from the first dose.
- aged 40 and over: booster jabs - 3 months (91 days) after 2nd dose.
For 12-15 year olds, parents need to accompany their child to the clinic.
Vaccines will be given on a first come, first served basis and clinics may close early if all allocated vaccine has been used.
Let’s all do all we can for a healthy, Covid-free, festive season.
Aged 40 or over and had your second jab 3 months ago? Book your booster!
 If you are aged 40 or over and you had your second Covid-19 jab 3 months (91 days) ago, you are now eligible for your booster jab.
Previously, a minimum of 6 months gap (182 days) was required between the second dose and the booster vaccine.
Pre-booking: You can also pre-book a booster dose from 2 months (61 days) after your second dose. The appointment dates you'll be offered will be from 3 months (91 days) after your second dose.
Please be aware that not all local walk-in clinics are offering boosters at 3 months yet (some still do at 6 months), this is expected to change in the next week.
Please check the clinic details carefully before you decide to go.
Aged 18 to 39 and wondering when you are eligible for the booster?
Although the government has announced that booster vaccines will soon be available to all adults, people aged between 18 and 39-years-old are kindly asked to hold off from attempting to arrange a booster vaccine appointment online or visiting one of the walk-in clinics.
Vaccination teams across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin continue to work hard to provide the booster vaccine to older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Currently, booster vaccines are only available for people aged 40 and over, those with an underlying health condition and frontline health and social care workers.
As soon as this changes, the NHS will invite those who qualify for a booster vaccine to come forward.
Easy to do: how to reduce your risk of catching or spreading Covid-19
A high number of cases in our borough are recorded in the under 20s and those in their 30s.
We appeal to all secondary and higher education students to test regularly and isolate when requested – so as to limit the spread and avoid more vulnerable people to Covid becoming seriously ill.
The following are easy to do for everyone and can make such a difference to protect one another:
Wear a face covering
Get tested:
Remember hands-face-space and fresh air:
- If you are indoors and meeting others, let fresh air in to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19.
Thank you for doing your bit to keep our borough safe.
New Covid-19 restrictions - what does it mean for me?
 The government has recently announced new Covid-19 restrictions moving to Plan B as a result of rising cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.
Work from home, if you can
- From Monday 13 December, those who can work from home are advised to do so.
Wear a face covering in most public venues
- From Friday 10 December, face coverings will be required by law (unless exempt) in most public venues, including theatres and cinemas. There will be exemptions in venues where it is not practical to wear one, such as when you are eating, drinking or exercising.
You will need an NHS Covid Pass to enter certain venues/events
- From Wednesday 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and certain settings where large crowds gather.
- There are some settings that will be exempt from requirements to use the NHS COVID Pass, including communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals and other commemorative events.
- Two doses will be sufficient for a Covid pass, this will be kept under review as boosters are rolled out. A negative lateral flow will also be accepted.
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