The rate of new coronavirus cases in Shropshire almost halved in the most recent reporting period, figures show.

In total 2,815 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the county between February 7 and 13, while 69 hospital beds were occupied by Covid-19 patients and there were three Covid-related deaths in county hospitals.

The figure reflected a fall of 47 per cent in the number of new cases in the county.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: "The number of Covid-19 cases in Shropshire has fallen by nearly 50% in this time period.

"This rapid decrease mirrors national and regional trends.

"We have, however, continued to see outbreaks, particularly in our schools and care homes.

"We do need to be cautious with the interpretation of the data on total cases compared to previous weeks, as the overall numbers will be impacted by recent policy changes, particularly the removed need for a confirmatory PCR test.

"We are reminding residents to continue to upload their Lateral Flow Test positive results."

Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health, Simon Jones added: "It is very promising that cases are falling and we are moving forward, but let’s not forget that coronavirus is still in our communities and we must do what we can to say safe.

"The vaccine remains the best defence against the effects of Covid-19, so if you haven’t yet had the jab, please do.

"The Darwin Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury is hosting another walk-in vaccination clinic on Saturday 22 January from 9.30am to 3.30pm."

The seven day infection rate for Shropshire was 865 per 100, 000.

In the West Midlands it was 1128.9 per 100, 000 and it was1025.5 for England as a whole.