Health experts are urging eligible young people in Shropshire to have their coronavirus jab after new cases rose by almost a quarter in one week.

In the week up to July 8, there were 568 new cases reported - an increase of 24 per cent - with the average age 29.

There was one Covid-19 related death in hospital, while eight hospital beds were occupied by Covid-19 patients.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, urged young people to take up their vaccination offer as the country prepares to reopen fully on Monday, July 19.

She said: “The figures show a continued rise in positive cases compared to the previous week, and a slow rise in hospital admissions. Once again, the majority of cases were in the younger, unvaccinated population, and the average age was just 29. Please protect yourself, your family and friends by getting both jabs as soon as possible.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week about proceeding to Step Four on Monday, July 19 was no doubt welcomed by many residents, but it’s also important to remember that we are still very much in the pandemic, numbers are rising and we are asking people to continue to exercise a cautious approach. 

“Restrictions are lifting at a time where the virus is circulating in our communities in very high numbers. The best ways to limit and manage your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19 remain the same: double vaccination, twice-weekly testing, continue to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces, good hygiene, proper ventilation indoors and isolating as soon as you get symptoms or are a close contact of a positive case.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public health, added: "With restrictions easing next week, I urge everyone to protect themselves and get vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t already.

“The uptake in Shropshire is impressive – more than 85 per cent of adults have had their first jab and nearly 70 per cent have had both. Let’s keep up the good work and keep our communities safe.

“There is a big push at the moment to get our younger residents vaccinated. This is really important given the data, which shows it is younger, unvaccinated people who are more likely to catch the virus and become ill.”