Case rates jump 32% among under-25s in seven days

CASES of coronavirus among young adults have increased rapidly in the last seven days in some parts of Wales.

In Neath Port Talbot, there has been a 32% jump in case rates among those aged under-25 in the period between March 26 and April 1.

While in Cardiff, confirmed cases in those aged 25 or younger have increased by nearly 20% in the same period.

The numbers were reported just days before large crowds of people, mainly young adults, gathered in Cardiff Bay on the evening of Good Friday for what was described as a “massive party”.

Public Health

Wales reports case rates among young adults as well as those aged 60+ to help the Welsh Government determine how the virus is circulating.

Other key factors it looks at are the seven-day incidence rate among the whole population and test positivity. These all help guide decisions about which lockdown restrictions should be in place at any time.

Other areas where case rates have increased in the past week among the under-25s include Denbighshire (7.5%) and Wrexham (5%).

Encouragingly, twothirds of Welsh local authorities are showing case rates among the older population (aged 60+) decreasing in the past week. Six areas have seen case rates in the over-60s jump in the past week, including Gwynedd (13.8%), Wrexham (11.3%), Carmarthenshire (10.4%), Blaenau Gwent (5.4%), Anglesey (4.3%) and Caerphilly (2.2%).

It’s important to note that due to the relatively small number of cases overall in some areas, small changes over the week can result in large percentage changes.

The Welsh Government has said the public health situation has improved to such an extent in the past few weeks that it has now brought forward some planned re-opening dates.

It means people will be able to form an extended household indoors, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than expected.

Last week, there were 37 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 people, while this week, it is fewer than 21 per 100,000.

The pressure on hospitals also continues to ease with confirmed cases in hospital beds continuing to fall. They are 26% lower than last Thursday. The figure of 89 is the lowest position since 22 September, 2020.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The public health situation in Wales continues to improve thanks to everything you are doing to help us control this awful virus. Cases of the virus are falling and our incredible vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.

“Last week, we set out our programme to further re-open the economy and relax the restrictions we have lived with for so long, as part of our careful, stepby-step approach to keeping everyone safe.

“This week, because of the improvements we continue to see, we can bring forward some of our plans. This is only possible because of the efforts everyone is making to protect themselves and their loved ones.”