Stark warning over sharp rise in Covid-19 cases

The Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council has warned that pandemic rules designed to fight the spread of Covid-19 must be strictly followed if a local lockdown is to be avoided.

The warning follows news that Bridgend County Borough is currently the sixth highest area in Wales for new infections, and has recently been described as ‘an area of concern’ by Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Public Health Director of Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board.

Over the past seven days, there has been a sharp increase of cases within the borough of Bridgend. This is a real cause for concern, and this developing situation is being monitored very closely. Despite the increased measures and local lockdown in Rhondda Cynon Taf earlier this week, cases of Coronavirus across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area are continuing to rise and are a real cause for concern.

Frustratingly, some people are still not following the guidelines and are letting their guard down, especially when they are with people they know well. Coronavirus does not just affect the elderly and vulnerable. It can affect any of us.

The rise in cases in the 40+ age group shows that transmission is occurring between close contacts, that’s between friends and family members.

Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Public Health Director of Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board.

Council Leader Huw David said: “Whether you live at the top of the Ogmore Valley or beside the sea in Porthcawl, now is the time that the people of Bridgend County Borough need to come together as a single, unified community in order to fight off the coronavirus, and ensure that the area does not have to go into a local lockdown situation.

“The vast majority of our residents have done all that has been asked of them to protect themselves, their families and communities, and I want to thank our residents for their understanding, co-operation and support.

“We now need to make sure that we do not let our guard down. Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf are already in local lockdowns, and with cases of people testing positive rising sharply in Bridgend County Borough, we are now at a point where the actions of the community as a whole will decide whether the situation gets worse or not.

“I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important it is to follow all of the guidance on restricting the spread of Covid-19.

“It is absolutely essential that we all adopt a common sense, single-community approach against the spread of the coronavirus. The national guidelines are there to protect us all, and ensure that we do contract or pass on the virus to others.

“As a community, we must make sure that we rigidly follow this advice, and ensure that we continue to wash our hands and use sanitiser regularly, observe social distancing of two metres, cover our mouths in crowded spaces, and remember not to touch our face. 

“If you develop a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or notice a change in your sense of smell or taste, make sure that you get a coronavirus test as quickly as possible.

“We have already confirmed further changes to care home visiting arrangements, and following the cancellation of this year’s Elvis Festival, together with South Wales Police we have appealed for people to stay away from Porthcawl over the weekend of 25-27 September, and to avoid gathering in large numbers.

“The council will continue to work alongside partners such as Public Health Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, and if necessary will introduce further measures to help restrict the spread of the virus.

“I hope that we do not see a further rise in cases in the county borough, but people can be assured that we are ready to act and if necessary will take further actions designed to help curb its spread.

“We are monitoring events very closely, and I urge residents to look out for further announcements in coming days and weeks.”