THERE is a continued improvement in the Covid-19 numbers in Shropshire.

Figures show that south Shropshire has fewest infections.

In the last week for which numbers are available there were 107 new cases, a fall of 54 and a reduction of 34 per cent over the previous week.

The infection rate of 33.1 cases per 100,000 people was just half of the average for the West Midlands and well below the national average.

There was also an improving story with hospitalisations although 22 of the 27 beds in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital involved people under the age of 30 with just five over 70.

Almost half of the infections were in north Shropshire, a third in Shrewsbury and Atcham and just 19 per cent in south Shropshire.

The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 33.1 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population.

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for the county says that there is now control of the virus.

“The news about the continued falling number of infections, coupled with the rising number of people getting their vaccinations, is rightly giving us all a sense of optimism after what has been a challenging few months,” she said.

“I liken our current situation to being 1-0 up in a football match. We are comfortable and in control, the last thing we want to do now is get complacent and let our hard-fought lead slip.

“Everyone has worked so hard to get us to this point. I don’t want to dampen anyone’s optimism, but we really need everybody to continue to be sensible at this time.

“Over 200,000 people have now received their vaccinations locally, but we cannot get complacent or let our guard down. People who have had a vaccine may still carry coronavirus and unintentionally pass it on to friends, family or work colleagues, so it is crucial that we continue to follow all measures to control the spread of the virus.”