Latest coronavirus news - 5 March    

Helping to keep you informed of the latest coronavirus news in Shropshire.

Back to school. What you need to know

Get back to school safely

All schools are working hard to ensure measures are in place to keep pupils and staff as safe as possible - as classrooms prepare to open again from Monday 8 March.

While your child’s school will be in contact with you about their arrangements, here’s a flavour of what everyone can expect next week. 

Families can take-up rapid testing offer

The Government has confirmed twice-weekly testing using rapid Lateral Flow Tests.

These will be made available for free to all adults in households with primary school-aged, secondary school-aged or college-aged children, for those without symptoms. This includes adults in childcare and support bubbles.

The twice-weekly testing will also be offered to adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers, taxi drivers and after school club leaders. 

Parents - stay safe at school gates

We are urging parents to observe social distancing and wear face coverings when dropping off and collecting their children from school.

Last year, staff at some schools had raised concerns that not all parents were observing social distancing, and some were ignoring the measures designed to keep them and others safe. 

Remember, while schools are reopening, we’re still in the third Lockdown, so please:

Avoid gathering in close groups to catch up or chat outside schools

Follow your school's instructions on safely dropping off and picking up, and leave immediately once this is done. 

Free school meals for May half-term

Box of groceries

We are continuing to ensure Shropshire families don’t go hungry by continuing to fund free school meals up to the May-half term holiday.

We have supported the cost of providing food over the recent Christmas and February half-term holidays, and will do so over the Easter holiday.

Financial support for families

If you’re struggling to pay for food and other essential bills – we can help.

We have received money from the Government to help Shropshire families who need it the most.

So if you, or someone you know, is having difficulty meeting essential outgoings, please call us 0345 678 9078.

You don’t need to be in receipt of benefits to qualify - and our friendly advisers will be on hand to help you complete the application form.

Over 40% of adults now vaccinated

Shropshire’s vaccination programme continues to gather pace – with over 187,000 people now having received their jab.

More people will now be able to get vaccinated locally with the news that The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Gobowen has transferred from a hospital hub into becoming a vaccination centre.

Appointments at the RJAH vaccination centre will be available for patients receiving a letter inviting them to book through the national booking system.

RJAH vaccination centre

Making it easier for unpaid carers to book vaccine

Image of older man and woman

In the past week, we have contacted over 1,000 unpaid carers across Shropshire to help them book their jab. 

If you have already contacted our carers centre to register your details with us, you do not need to contact us again, and we will be in touch with you. If you are an unpaid carer and haven’t already been contacted by us, please now call us on 0345 678 9011 (Mondays-Fridays 8am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm).

The details we will need from you include: 

• Your full name 
• Your caring role
• Your NHS number 
• Contact number/email 

Rapid testing coming to Market Drayton

Raven House in Market Drayton

A new walk-in centre that will offer free rapid Lateral Flow Tests to people with no symptoms, opens in Market Drayton next Monday (8 March 2021).

The testing centre is located at:

Raven House, 129 Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, TF9 3AH

The testing site will be open from 12pm initially on Monday 8 March; and then 8am-5pm daily onwards. No prior booking is required.

Remain vigilant, despite fall in cases

Coronavirus update 19 to 25 February 2021

322 new cases were reported in Shropshire during the 7-day period from 19–25 February – a 24% decrease compared to the previous week.

As the weather improves and the evenings get lighter, people may be tempted to let their guard down and take unnecessary risks.

We realise everyone has been asked to live under restrictions for almost a year now and it is becoming more and more difficult: however, we do need one last big push if we want to be in a position where all restrictions can potentially be lifted from the earliest date of 21 June, as set out in the Government’s roadmap.

Businesses' £125 million support

£125 million worth of grant support to local businesses

Since the start of the pandemic we have given £125 million worth of grant support to local businesses.

We are now processing the latest round of Local Restrictions Support Grants to firms across the county – and once more, businesses will receive payments without having to apply again.

Vaccination transport scheme success

Shropshire Transport Group Covid 19 support

Since its launch in January 2021, over 280 vulnerable residents have been transported to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

Shropshire's Transport Covid 19 support programme was initially launched utilising Shropshire Council’s own fleet of vehicles. Since then, 25 local bus and taxi operators have volunteered their time free of charge to help expand the offer and support more people.

The free transport programme has also helped 283 housebound patients have their vaccine at home by using Shropshire Council’s vehicle fleet to transport staff from Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital to safely give their jabs.

Over a three-week period, 5,000 miles were travelled to enable vulnerable residents to get their  vaccinations - the equivalent of Shrewsbury to Las Vegas!

Information, advice and support

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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Updates from the Government

To see the latest Government updates about COVID-19, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus