Rising infection rate shows we’re ‘not out of woods yet’
THE coronavirus infection rate in Carmarthenshire county continues to rise, statistics released on Friday have revealed.
According to the data released Public Health Carmarthenshire’s tion rate is 241.6.
This is based on the infection rate per 100,000 population over the seven days up to December 1. In that time there have been 456 confirmed cases.
The rate has increased steadily for most of the past three months, as it has in many parts of Wales. In Carmarthenshire, the infection rate reported on September 23 was 47.1. By the middle of October, before the national fire-break lockdown was implemented, it was up to 68.3. By November, looking at the rate for the seven days up until November 10, the rate was latest by Wales, infec129.8, and by last Friday the latest published rate of infection was at the highest it has been in Carmarthenshire at 207.7, up from 163.2 the previous week.
The area of Carmarthenshire with the highest current infection rate is Llanfihangel-ar-arth and Llanybydder, while the area with the lowest current rate is Pembrey and Burry Port.
Below are the infection rates and new case figures for different areas of Carmarthenshire for the seven days up to Tuesday, December 1 (area: infection rate / new cases):
Llanfihangel-ar-arth & Llanybydder: 528.2/30
Llandeilo, Llangadog & Manordeilo: 458.4/33
Brynaman, Garnant &
Glanaman: 420.8/31 Llanelli North: 402.9/22 Yr Hendy & Tycroes: 313.7/19
Llanelli West: 311.8/23 Swiss Valley & Llangennech: 300.5/23
■ Llanelli Bigyn: 282/19
■ Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn & Ferryside: 277.5/23
Llandybie 268.9/23
Bynea
265.5/24
Saron:
Llwynhendy:
Carmarthen 252.6/13
Dafen
250.5/14
Glyn
237.6/23
Llanon, Cross Hands & Penygroes: 237.6/20 Llanelli South: 186.7/20 Llandovery, Cilycwm & Cynwyl Gaeo: 180/10
Carmarthen South Llangunnor: 170.6/11
Whitland, Laugharne & Llansteffan: 152.2/19 &
North:
Felinfoel:
Pontyberem:
■ Kidwelly & 145.7/9
■ Trelech, Cenarth & Llangeler: 144.1/11
■ Carmarthen West Cynwyl Elfed: 139.2/12
■ Abergwili, Llanegwad & Carmel: 135.2/9
■ Ammanford & 100.9/8
■ Pembrey & Burry 84.2/7
This week has seen some positive news concerning coronavirus after it was announced that the Pfizer/biontech vaccine had been granted authorisation for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), meaning that vaccinations can start in Wales this week.
While welcoming that news, the leader of Carmarthenshire Council, Emlyn Dole, warned people not to become complacent and “take their foot off the brake”.
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“This week we’ve had the glimmer of hope we’ve all been waiting for, and it has been very welcome news,” said Mr Dole.
“But we can’t relax just yet – we have to be mindful that the vaccination programme will take time to roll out, and in the meantime we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of this virus that has hit us all so hard this year.
“With Christmas approaching fast, we simply have to remember the basics, and protect ourselves and others within our community who are vulnerable.
“We must limit our contact with people, keeping our distance when we’re out and about and following the basic rules about hygiene and wearing face coverings. We’re almost there, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”