'rona cases rise in Telford. "Not mixing households is the safest way
'rona cases rise in Telford. "Not mixing households is the safest way to spend Christmas this year" says Liz Noakes
Cases have also begun to rise in over 60s ahead of restrictions being eased over the Christmas period.
Health leaders are urging people to ask themselves what they should be doing this Christmas, not what they can do, in order to protect older family members.
For the week ending 6 December, the situation in the borough is:
• 234 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
• This is a 14% rise compared with last week’s total of 205 cases
• The seven day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 130 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
• For the West Midlands, the average is 185 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
• For England, the average is 217 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of population
• Infection rates in the over 60s in Telford and Wrekin, a higher risk group, are at 105 per 100k of population, while for those age 80 and over are at 123 per 100k of population – an even greater concern
• Sadly, 4 more people from the borough have died from Covid-19 in the past week (bringing the total borough deaths to 133)
• There were 58 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Telford and Shrewsbury hospitals, as of 6 December
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Director for Public Health Liz Noakes said: “I know many people are doing this already but I would encourage people to be cautious and plan responsibly this Christmas – please ask yourself what you should be doing, not what you can do.
“Not mixing households is the safest way to spend Christmas this year, I would urge people to think carefully about their specific circumstances in terms of extending their Christmas bubble and if it is a good idea.
“Evidence shows that most of the virus transmission happens indoors, among people you are close to, where the air is not as well ventilated – for this reason we can expect coronavirus to spread around Christmas tables.
“With infection levels among over 60s rising before Christmas we can expect this trend to continue and, sadly, this means we can expect a rise in deaths and hospitalisations in the New Year.
“It is understandable that people want to enjoy Christmas by mixing and socialising with friends and family after months of being apart, but we must make sure we don’t undo the hard work we have achieved in the past few weeks.”
“Coronavirus will not be taking holiday, please don’t give coronavirus this Christmas – be responsible.”
“For the love of Christmas – self-isolate and get tested when you need to, please do not socialise indoors, you can meet outdoors but you must not meet in groups of more than six, wash your hands, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.”
