November Community Reassurance Update

Good afternoon

I hope everyone is well and is adjusting to our current situation. A week into our latest lockdown and both locally and nationally infection figures are still creeping in the wrong direction, however a lag in response to the lockdown was always anticipated.

Regarding the lockdown, it is important we try and support local businesses as much as possible, particularly following the new measures that apply nationally for four weeks up to and including Wednesday 2nd December. At the end of that period, we will return to a regional approach, based on the latest data and subject to whatever replaces the current restriction legislation. For further information please can you share the following link and assure they are following the correct guidance. National Restrictions guidance

There is now a light at the end of the tunnel with the announcement of a potentially viable vaccine and Shropshire Council has been planning for a roll out of a mass vaccination program as soon as a vaccine becomes available. This will be a massive undertaking and many of you may get a chance to play a part. There are still many hurdles to overcome before this is possible though and it remains very important at this point not to relax our social distancing and hygiene measures.

There is a light, but for now it remains a long tunnel.

Here are the latest links to help and support available in the county….

  • Shropshire Public Health Nursing service– aiming to improve health outcomes for children and young people by offering support, information and signposting on a number of issues

  • Info for unpaid carers during coronavirus –  Being an informal carer can be challenging at the best of times but at the moment, with the added pressure of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it can be especially hard. That’s why it is important that informal carers know what support is available to them and how to get help.

Follow the link Information for unpaid carers during coronavirus pandemic

  • Funding and support for Shropshire – Following the mandated lockdown announced by Government and commencing on Thursday 5 November, it was announced that further funding to help support businesses that are required to closed would be put in place.

If your business has not been forced to close but you have been severely impacted by COVID-19 There will also be a discretionary fund for businesses which will be published shortly.

https://shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-businesses-and-the-self-employed/local-restrictions-support-grants/

  • Community Group Funding – NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) has allowed a maximum of £222,766.39 to be allocated to voluntary organisations supporting NHS patients in the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) area following a bid-based process.  This allocation is to be passed on to support the voluntary, care and hospice sector operating in that area to support those affected by COVID-19.

See attached document for details.

  • WIPS (The Well-being & Independence Partnership) – Shropshire Council, in partnership with its health colleagues has commissioned a Winter Support Service that will work with vulnerable, and potentially vulnerable Shropshire residents. The service will support people to avoid a health and care crisis situation over the winter period and will connect them to a range of support.

You can find out more information about the new service here.

  • Shropshire Councils Covid Helpline 0345 6789 028 – this phoneline is designed to receive enquiries and concerns associated with Covid 19, of a non-medical nature.

Shropshire Council Covid 19 Data

During the 7-day period from 30 October – 5 November 2020 in Shropshire:

  • 677 new cases reported
  • This was an increase of 157 cases compared to the previous week
  • The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 209.5 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population.
  • For the West Midlands it was 304.1 per 100,000
  • For England it was 240.5 per 100,000
  • 108 cases relate to 20-29-year olds
  • 87 of cases relate to people aged 70+
  • We have seen an increase in outbreaks linked to schools and workplaces
  • During the last week 42% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
  • 24% were in North Shropshire
  • 34% in South Shropshire

To check infection rates in your area, follow link

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

Localised Covid 19 Testing

What is available in Shropshire? Where can I go locally?

Public Health, Shropshire Council have provided Mobile Testing Units and Localised Testing Sites in our county for you to attend if you are showing signs of Coronavirus or a particularly concerned you may have it.

Please see the following table with a description of each model and where and how you can access:

Name of Model What does this mean? Where can I go? How do I book?
  • 1. Mobile Testing Site

Regional resource that are designed to be more flexible and responsive to outbreak scenarios or areas of increased positivity rates.

Drive through only.

Whitchurch Rugby Club 21 Edgeley Road Whitchurch

SY13 1EU

 Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here.
  • 1. Localised Testing Site

Is a community-based, walk through testing facility that can be accessed by members of the public showing symptoms of Covid-19. The test sites are placed in areas that enable the local community to access them without the need for transport (via a car or public means).

This is still available as a drive through.

Beatrice Street Car park Beatrice street

Oswestry

SY11 1QW

Launching: Friday 27th November 2020

Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here.
  • 2. Localised Testing Site

London Road Car Park Shrewsbury

SY2 6NS

 Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here.
  • 3. Localised Testing Site
 Innage Lane Car Park (formerly Bridgnorth Youth Centre Car Park) WV16 4HQ Due to launch w/c 23 November 2020 – to be confirmed.

Finally, Public Health are working through the next steps of introducing Lateral Flow Testing. Further details to follow in the next update.

Many Thanks

Hannah

 

Hannah Thomas
Community Reassurance Team Lead for North West Shropshire
Public Health, Health Checks Team
Shropshire Council
4th Floor, Shirehall
Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury
SY2 6ND

Tel: 01743 254235

Email: [email protected]