Coronavirus cases have significantly increased in the Aberystwyth area over the last 5 days.

The number of positive cases across the County on a daily basis has never been as high as it is now. It shows us how easily the virus can spread.

The current rate in Ceredigion is 154.1 per 100,000 population (as of 1pm, 4 December 2020).

Evidence has shown that when communities come together and follow the coronavirus guidelines, the rate and spread of the virus can be slowed. This was clear to see in the Cardigan area and we are now asking our residents in the Aberystwyth area to do the same.

The most prominent age group at the moment to prove positive in the Aberystwyth area is amongst people in their 20s. There are examples where they have had several social contacts in different settings. These include contacts at work and then meeting different groups of people in social settings.

We know it’s difficult to limit the number of people we see, but limiting your contacts is essential for keeping the number of people with the virus down and it’s how we will ultimately protect our loved ones.

Ceredigion County Council will always take the necessary steps to keep our residents safe and will take decisive action when required. Our Public Protection Officers are working with colleagues at Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that businesses are complying with the regulations and have served several notices over the last few weeks where improvement is needed.

Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. But be aware of other symptoms early on, such as headaches, tiredness and general aches and pains usually associated with flu. We are urging people who feel unwell to be extra cautious, especially to practice hand hygiene and distancing, and if in doubt, please book a test.

Anyone with symptoms, no matter how small, must follow self-isolation guidance and arrange a test immediately, only leaving home to get tested. No one should go to work or leave the house if they have any symptoms - consider and protect as much as you possibly can everyone in your household bubble.

But, you must play your part. Remain vigilant and remember to follow the guidelines:

  • Keep a 2m social distance from each other when out and about – indoors and outdoors;
  • Wash your hands regularly;
  • Limit your social contact;
  • Work from home wherever possible;
  • Households are able to form a ‘bubble’ with one other - that bubble arrangement cannot be swapped, changed, or extended further than one household;
  • People are allowed to meet with others from outside that bubble in a regulated venue, such as a pub or restaurant (until 6pm) where there are strict safety protocols in place, but the maximum number of people that can meet is four and even then social distancing should be maintained wherever possible;
  • Wear a face mask in indoor public places, shops and on public transport;
  • Self-isolate immediately at the first sign of any COVID-19 symptoms and arrange a test immediately, only leaving home to get tested. A test need to be booked online or by phoning 119.

Stay apart to play your part. By doing this, we will be protecting the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable, including care services for the elderly and those whose medical conditions make them particularly at risk from COVID-19. We will be protecting the education provision within schools, colleges and universities. We will enable the local economy to survive the winter months.

Together, we can keep Ceredigion safe.

05/12/2020