‘This is our last chance’ warning as Covid-19 cases rise

The Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council has warned that Bridgend County Borough is facing its last chance to avoid further measures being introduced to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The warning follows a sharp rise in positive cases – up from 17 per cent to 37.4 per cent in less than a week – without any obvious sources that might explain why this has happened.

In areas where lockdowns are already in place such as Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf, the vast majority of cases could be traced back to specific events, but that’s not what is happening in Bridgend County Borough. Here, the cases appear to be down to community transmission rather than, say, a celebration where people became ill after ignoring rules on social distancing or a day trip where somebody who was symptomatic visited different venues where customers later tested positive. This sudden rise in positive cases is of huge concern. The data is currently being analysed carefully, and people should make no mistake that it is very possible further action may now be required in Bridgend County Borough to keep people safe and reverse the trend in rising cases.

If we want to prevent further action from being taken, this is our last chance. The pandemic rules designed to fight the spread of Covid-19 must be strictly followed. Coronavirus is a disease which affects us all, not just the elderly or vulnerable, and we need to come together as a community in order to fight it. We must make sure that we rigidly follow national guidance, 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 avoid gathering in large numbers. 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.

The council will continue to work alongside partners such as Welsh Government, South Wales Police, Public Health Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, and if necessary will introduce further measures to help restrict the spread of the virus. We are monitoring events very closely, and I urge residents to look out for further announcements soon.

Council Leader Huw David

• For the latest advice and support on the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, visit gov.uk/coronavirus