SHROPSHIRE'S health boss has urged residents to keep testing and have the Covid-19 vaccination when offered after a spike in infections in the county.

Between June 11-17, the unitary authority said there was 112 new cases reported – a 34 per cent increase on the previous week – while the seven-day infection rate was 34.7 per 100,000.

While this remains far below the current West Midlands rate (76.2) and England in general (104.8), Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said the rise is enough to make authorities nervous.

She said: “Cases continue to rise again in Shropshire following national and regional trends.

"Nearly half of all cases were in the younger age brackets – 21 per cent were in the 0-19 age range, and 34 per cent were 20-29.

"Again, this is not unexpected, as the younger population are less likely to have been vaccinated.

“However, we are urging people to continue to support us to get restrictions lifted by keeping cases down, through both regular testing to find cases quickly and to get vaccinated to slow the spread.

“All adults over the age of 18 are now eligible to get the jab, and getting vaccinated is easier than ever with a number of walk-in clinics around the county.

“As always, keep testing regularly at home using a lateral flow test.

"This is key in stopping the rapid spread of coronavirus. You may feel perfectly well but you can still carry the virus – even after you have been vaccinated.

"We cannot rely on the vaccine alone to stop the spread.

"We all have to be proactive and play our part, which still includes regular hand-washing, wearing a face covering, making space and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public health, said: “In line with the rest of the country, we’re seeing an increase of positive cases in Shropshire, but I think we can take comfort in the fact that we are not seeing an increase in hospital admissions.

“We know that getting both jabs significantly reduces your chances of becoming seriously ill if you do get Covid-19, and the data shows it is working.

"The uptake in Shropshire so far is impressive, and I do hope that this will continue through the younger age groups who are now eligible.”