THE NUMBER of Solihull residents testing positive for Covid-19 continues to rise as testing is set to come to an end.
There were 1,687 positive cases reported in the borough in the week up to March 24 – an increase of 174 cases on the week before.
There has been a total of 69,300 positive cases reported in the area since the start of the pandemic.
Of those there have been 723 coronavirus-related death registered up to March 11.
This comes as testing for Covid begins to wind down with sites closing as testing ends for the general public in England from April 1.
Ruth Tennant, Solihull’s director of public health, said testing rates are falling so there will be many more people with Covid that aren’t being officially recorded locally.
She added: “Testing will continue to be a useful tool to check if you have Covid and I’d advise that if you feel unwell, have any of the main Covid symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid to take a test.
“You can find where to buy tests online or use any kits you may still have at home.”
She encouraged anyone who does test positive to stay at home where they can speak to employers about Statutory Sick Pay.
Ms Tennant said: “Vaccination remains the best weapon against Covid.
“The vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing the virus on to others.”
The spring COVID-19 booster is now being rolled out locally to care home residents, people aged 75 and over and those with a weakened immune system aged over 12.
The NHS will contact people when it is time for them to book their spring booster when it’s due.
This will usually be around 6 months after your last dose.
In Solihull around 85 per cent of those over 12 have had their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine and of those 81 have had their second dose.
Of those eligible 65 per cent have had the third vaccination.
