Bridgend County Borough moves into top three coronavirus hotspots
Poster information
Posted on: Friday 11 December 2020
Health and council officials are appealing to residents to double their efforts in fighting the spread of coronavirus after latest statistics confirmed that Bridgend County Borough is now the third highest place in Wales for positive cases.
Council Leader Huw David said: “Cases across the county borough have trebled in size with 1,100 new cases in less than 10 days. With covid-19 infection rates rising steeply across all of our communities, the First Minister has today warned that a further national lockdown may be necessary if figures do not fall.
“With limited intensive care beds left available throughout the region, NHS staff and services are being really stretched. This is an exceptionally challenging time, and this has already been recognised by Welsh Government with their recent announcement on closing schools earlier than planned.
“Now more than ever, people need to take the pandemic seriously and act to protect their friends, family, neighbours and themselves.
“Covid does not go away just because it’s Christmas, and everyone needs to play their part. Think about your actions and the consequences they might have. Don’t put yourselves or your loved ones at risk - wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands, and follow the guidance.
“Preparations are underway for the rollout of the new vaccine, but this will take time to implement, and should not be treated as an immediate return to normality.
“We are all in this together, so please, give us your support and do all that you can to keep Bridgend County Borough safe.”
Announcing that an updated pandemic control plan will soon be published, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “If rates keep on rising and the pressure on the NHS continues unchecked, we will have to consider a move to the next alert level – level four – immediately after the Christmas period.
“This is not inevitable. We can all take steps to control the spread of coronavirus by reducing the number of people we are in contact with and mix with.
“This virus thrives on our normal human behaviour – whenever and wherever we come together and spend time with friends and other people, we can pass on or catch the virus.
“Taking action now to reduce the number of people we see and mix with can help determine what happens after Christmas.
For more information about ways you can get a Covid-19 test, call 119 or visit the coronavirus page at the Welsh Government website.