BACK INTO LOCKDOWN
Swansea’s local lockdown to start 6pm tomorrow Households can no longer mix indoors Spread of virus in Llanelli ‘not in control’
SWANSEA and Llanelli are all going into local lockdown as Wales faces rising numbers of coronavirus infections.
The news was announced by Health Minister Vaughan Gething at the Welsh Government coronavirus briefing yesterday.
Llanelli’s lockdown comes into force at 6pm on Saturday and the lockdown in Swansea – as well as one in Cardiff – come into force at 6pm on Sunday. Mr Gething urged the people of the two cities not to “treat this weekend as a final blow-out”.
The changes mean around 1.5m people in eight council areas and one town will be under local restrictions, just under half the Welsh population.
The Swansea lockdown encompases the county of Swansea, including areas such as Gowerton, Clydach, Gorseinon and not just the main city suburbs.
Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: “We have seen a rapid and sharp increase in the number of Covid cases in Swansea during the past few weeks.
“So, like much of the population of Wales, we are now in a lockdown. This will mean changes to people’s everyday lives but they will help to protect people and our communities.”
He added: “Everyone must follow the new rules which will be in place from 6pm Sunday. They will be backed up by enforcement measures by the council and the police.
“I’m urging everyone not to use this weekend to have one last blow-out before Sunday.
“We should act now and be sensible, not be irresponsible and selfish.
“Supermarkets and other food suppliers are not affected by the local lockdown so there is no need to be concerned about stocks running low or panic-buy.”
The restrictions are being introduced following a rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in coronavirus, which have been linked to people meeting indoors and not following social distancing guidelines.
They will be kept under regular review over time but if cases do not fall, the Welsh Government, working with the council and Public Health Wales, will consider further measures.
Dr Keith Reid, executive director for public health for the Swansea Bay area, said: “How long Swansea stays in local lockdown is entirely up to the people of Swansea. You have it in your gift to end this lockdown as early as possible
and save lives.
“Stick closely to the rules and stop this virus from spreading further. If people ignore the rules, then the consequences are clear. Cases will continue to rise and we will see more and more people in our hospitals who are sick and dying.
“Keep a safe distance from others, wash your
hands and use alcohol rub, wear face coverings when required. Remember that if you go to a pub or restaurant you can only be with the people you live with. You must not meet or mingle with anyone else – remember there is no longer an extended household, so not even these people.
“If you have any Covid
19 symptoms, a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss or change of smell or tastes, you must stay home. Then call 01639 862757 to arrange a local test. Only leave your home for the test and go straight back and wait for your test result.
“Please do all you can to stop this virus. If we all pull together we can slow the rate of infection back down sooner rather than later.”
Mr Stewart added: “There are still too many incidents with people not abiding by the rules on social distancing, mask wearing and large gatherings.
“We need the help of everyone across Swansea to prevent the increasing and onward spread of coronavirus. We need to bring the infection rates back down so that we can remove some of the restrictions being put in place. It’s in all our interests to do that.
“If we can bring coronavirus under control then there is more chance of us returning to a more normal way of life sooner rather than later.
“Coronavirus has not gone away. It is still circulating in communities across Wales. It’s vital people stick to the rules, They are there to protect you, your family and loved ones, and everyone in our community.”
At the press conference, Mr Gething said that Llanelli’s lockdown affected 35,000 people in the town area.
He said that the town had the vast majority of Carmarthenshire’s cases.
The areas subject to the new restrictions are Bigyn, Bynea, Dafen, Elli ward, Felinfoel, Glanymor, Hendy, Hengoed, Llanegennech, Lliedi, Llwynhendy, Tyisha, and Swiss Valley.
Residents can check if they live in one of these restricted areas by visiting www. carmarthenshire. gov. wales/ localrestrictions and entering their postcode.
Although the pattern of increased positive cases is overwhelmingly concentrated in the Llanelli area where the restrictions have been strengthened, the whole of Carmarthenshire has now been put on alert, with a warning that the tighter restrictions may be extended if cases continue to spread.
Everyone – including those in the defined areas of Llanelli – is being urged to follow the national guidance around social distancing, good hygiene, self-isolation, testing and face coverings.
Leader of Carmarthenshire Council, councillor Emlyn Dole, said: “It is worrying to see how sharply the number of positive cases has risen in the Llanelli area, and action has had to be taken to help stop the spread and break the chain of infections concentrated in this area to prevent a whole county lockdown.
“We must all do the right thing, follow the advice and protect each other. In parts of Llanelli, we’re asking people and businesses to make even greater sacrifices – we fully appreciate the impact this will have, but there is no other way. We must stop the spread.”
A mobile testing unit has been set up in Llanelli to manage the increased demand by local residents who have any of the Covid-19 symptoms – either a high temperature, a change or loss to taste or smell or a new, continuous cough.
Reporting of positive cases in the town is fully expected to rise during the next two weeks with the increase in more targeted testing.
But this is a positive indicator that cases are being identified and control measures put in place.
Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board Maria Battle said: “Our local community has given us such tremendous support during the past few months.
“To protect the health of our people, including the most vulnerable, and to ensure our NHS resources are available to provide people with the care they need, we need the help of our Llanelli population and wider community now more than ever before.
“Whilst hospital admissions have not yet increased again for Covid cases, we have seen a sharp rise in positive cases in the community, and in time this is likely to have an impact on hospital admissions.
“The very best way we can support each other and those we love is to follow local restrictions, minimise our contacts, practice good hygiene and self-isolate and book a test if we have any Covid-19 symptoms.”
Increased testing capacity for residents in Llanelli is available by appointment at the following locations:
Parc y Scarlets car park B, accessed via Trostre Retail Park, in Llanelli ■ The Ty’r Nant site (next to KFC), Trostre, Llanelli ■ The Carmarthen showground (signposted in both directions off the A40)
There should be no reason for Llanelli residents to travel excessive distances for a test, as there will be tests available in Llanelli and Carmarthen. Tests should be booked via the UK Portal.
Any Llanelli residents experiencing difficulty booking a test locally via the UK portal can instead email covidenquiries. hdd@wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 333 2222.
The lockdown in Swansea prompted a warning from the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council.
Councillor Rob Jones said: “While infection rates in Neath Port Talbot aren’t yet at the same level as in Swansea they are increasing and if this continues, then it is inevitable that local restrictions for our county borough will follow.
“This situation requires immediate action from each and every one of us in Neath Port Talbot. I cannot stress enough how important it is that we all follow the guidance to keep our families, friends, colleagues and communities safe.”