Infection rates reached the highest recorded level in Ludlow last weekend at 520 cases per 100,000 people. That means 57 people living in the town tested positive in the seven days to 19 September. That is 63% higher than the previous high rate in July. And it is 44% higher than the rate across Shropshire at the same date. There were higher infection rates in Cleobury Mortimer (1,076 on 19 September); Harlescott Grange (923); and Ellesmere (801).
In Shropshire, rates are now climbing with a current infection rate of around 430, up from around 310 at the beginning of the month.
The growth in infection is largely among school age children. In Shropshire, 62% of the 1,303 cases in the week to 19 September were among people under 20 years of age.
Vaccination is now being offered to children aged 12 to 15 and that should reduce rates.
Is the Ludlow Food Festival a factor in the increase in Ludlow? There is no data on that but Ludlow is unlikely to be different from elsewhere in the county with infection mainly spreading through children.
The number of Covid-19 cases identified by testing in England is broadly level with an infection rate of around 325. There is a slightly different picture from the Office of National Statistics which shows cases to be falling overall, though increasing among children aged 2 years to school Year 11.
In Telford cases are rising with a rate of around 420.
At the Food Festival most weren’t wearing masks, but crowding round the stalls and breathing in each others’ faces. I despait at the lack of what used to be common sense.