We are seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Lampeter and Dyffryn Aeron area.

The current rate in Ceredigion is 159.6 per 100,000 population (as of 1pm, 5 December 2020), which shows that the rate is increasing every day.

Over the last week, we have seen over 35 positive cases in the area. From the work of the Ceredigion Contact Tracing Team, we can see how the virus has spread. These include social gatherings and workplace transmission.

Wherever we are and whoever we are with, we must all be vigilant at all times and make sure that we follow the guidelines. Social distancing, washing your hands regularly and wearing a face mask will protect you and those around you.

As we approach Christmas, we must ensure that we avoid getting together with friends and family who aren’t in our extended households. We know it’s difficult to limit the number of people we see, but limiting our contacts is essential for keeping the virus from spreading. This is 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.

 

06/12/2020