Ceredigion residents urged to adhere to COVID-19 regulations

Following confirmation of a COVID-19 cluster within the student community at Aberystwyth University, a multi-agency Incident Management Team has been established.

As part of the Incident Management Team, Ceredigion County Council is working closely with Aberystwyth University, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Public Health Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Ceredigion Contact Tracing Team and Aberystwyth Student Union to identify all contacts and all have acted quickly to take decisive action to limit the spread.

Control measures have been put in place to minimise the risks of spreading the virus further.

Those who have tested positive are self-isolating and those who have been in contact with them have been identified and are now required to self-isolate for 14 days. These students are continuing their studies online and are being supported by Aberystwyth University.

The Ceredigion Contact Tracing Team has identified that there are currently no contacts within the wider community, and the cluster is contained within the student community.

It is important for everyone to recognise that the virus has not gone away, and people are being reminded to follow the regulations and to take responsibility for keeping themselves, and others safe.

Ceredigion Council has taken strong and decisive measures to ensure the number of cases of COVID-19 remain low. We are grateful to all residents for playing their part. As the number of infected people is at its highest level so far, the actions of every resident will be particularly important in stopping the spread of the virus.

We are urging both the student community and the wider community of Ceredigion to take the risk seriously and consider how their actions may impact on more vulnerable members of our communities.

Remain vigilant and remember the key messages:

• Keep a 2m social distance from each other when out and about.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wear a mask in indoor public places, shops and on public transport
• Only meet 6 people indoors from your extended household (not including children under 11).
• Do not meet with more than 30 people outdoors
• Work from home, wherever possible.
• Think carefully about making journeys: only travel where you need to do so. The fewer people we meet and the fewer journeys we make, the safer we all are.
Limiting your social contact and adhering to the regulations on extended households will mean that we all reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Anyone who develops any COVID-19 symptoms must follow self-isolation guidance and arrange a test immediately, only leaving home to get tested.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
• a high temperature: this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough: this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste: this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

In addition to the drive-through testing facility in Aberystwyth, a temporary walk-in facility has been set up. These test centres are for people who have COVID-19 symptoms and can be booked online or by phoning 119.

All the latest information and advice regarding the coronavirus can be found on the website. The Council’s Corporate Contact Centre number is 01545 570881.

Together, we can keep Ceredigion safe.