COVID infection figures are down approximately 29 per cent in Solihull, taking the infection rate to 353 infections per 100,000 with new cases falling to 778 each week.
In all, 16 out of 17 the borough’s wards have seen a decrease.
The news has been hailed by Solihull’s director of public health, Ruth Tennant, but she warns Silhillians must not relax and maintain their adherence to the lockdown rules.
She said: “353 infections per 100,000 people seems better than the over 550 we were experiencing only a few weeks ago, but in early December it was only 153 and in August it was 12.
“The decrease is welcome, but it is at a much slower rate than last year.
“We know our hospitals are still full of severely ill Covid patients and while the numbers are stable, there is still huge pressure on our local NHS colleagues.”
She warned that people can spread coronavirus without knowing they have it.
“This week, around two per cent of people coming to our new testing centres have tested positive: these are all people who did not have symptoms and so did not know that they might be infectious.
“By testing, they have been able to do the right thing and help stop the spread to customers, co-workers or their family.”
The free, rapid testing is by booking only at https://www.solihull.gov.uk/COVID-19/covidtesting and are available at Newington Resource Centre, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and Roundmead Day Centre.
Meanwhile the vaccine roll out is progressing.
In Solihull 92 per cent of those aged 80 and over and 15.5 per cent of the total population have received their first dose of the vaccine. Nationwide, the UK broke the ten million barrier this week.
“From what we know households remain the most common place for people to get Covid,” said Ms Tennant.
“So if you have any of the symptoms get tested and self-isolate away from other members of the household.”
She advised people to visit Germ Defence advice here to help keep safe.
“We still have a long way to go, please don’t relax now. Keep doing the right thing for you, your household, your family and friends and for Solihull. Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives,” she said.
