Infection rate rises above 600 new cases per 100,000

THE coronavirus infection rate across Carmarthenshire has risen above 600 new cases per 100,000 population for the first time since the outbreak began.

Statistics published by Public Health Wales on Friday afternoon reveal that the latest infection rate is at 651.1.

It has increased rapidly over the past two weeks – the infection rate for the seven days up to December 1 was 241.6. Back in September, it was as low as 47.1.

The area of Carmarthenshire with the highest current infection rate is Pembrey and Burry Port, with a rate above 1,000 new cases per 100,000 population. This is despite the fact that it was the area with the lowest infection rate only two weeks ago.

The areas with the current lowest infection rate are Trelech, Cenarth and Llangeler – the only areas in the county with a rate below 100.

Below are the infection rates and new case figures for different areas of Carmarthenshire for the seven days up to Sunday, December 13 (area: infection rate / new cases):

■ Pembrey & Burry Port: 1,082.6/90

■ Carmarthen North: 854.9/44

■ Llandovery, Cilycwm & Cynwyl Gaeo: 809.9/45

■ Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn & Ferryside: 784.3 /65

■ Llanon, Cross Hands & Penygroes: 784.1/66

■ Swiss Valley & Llangennech: 770.9/59

■ Carmarthen South & Llangunnor: 728.8/47

■ Llandybie & Saron: 724.8/62

■ Llanelli South: 718.8/77 ■ Llanelli North: 714.3/39 ■ Llanelli Bigyn: 712.5/48 ■ Llandeilo, Llangadog & Manordeilo: 708.4/51

■ Abergwili, Llanegwad & Carmel: 690.8/46

■ Brynaman, Garnant & Glanaman: 651.6/48

■ Glyn & Pontyberem: 650.8/63

■ Kidwelly & Trimsaran: 647.6/40

■ Dafen & Felinfoel: 626.3/35

■ Llanelli West: 623.6/46 ■ Bynea & Llwynhendy: 619.5/56

■ Carmarthen West & Cynwyl Elfed: 603.3/52

■ Yr Hendy & Tycroes: 577.8/35

■ Llanfihangel ar Arth & Llanybydder: 528.2/30

■ Whitland, Laugharne & Llansteffan: 424.6/53

■ Ammanford & Betws: 378.5/30

■ Trelech, Cenarth & Llangeler: 91.7/7

Speaking last week, the leader Carmarthenshire Council, Emlyn Dole, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy Christmas, but the surge in cases we’re currently experiencing in Carmarthenshire means it’s inevitable that some people will be isolating over Christmas and the new year, or worse still suffering with Covid-19.

“We can only hope that for most people this is just a minor illness. But as we all know, Covid-19 is unpredictable and unfortunately some people are becoming severely ill or losing loved ones to this terrible virus.”