A TOTAL of 58 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded across the Hywel Dda health board area in the latest figures released by Public Health Wales today (Wednesday, November 18).

Carmarthenshire reported 44 fresh cases (2,715 overall), with nine in Ceredigion (413 overall) and five in Pembrokeshire (a total of 744).

Across Wales as a whole, 640 new cases of Covid-19 took the overall total to 68,449.

There were 41 deaths in Wales in the past 24 hours, with 2,284 now recorded throughout the pandemic – 97 of those deaths have been in the Hywel Dda region.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales strongly advises the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of coronavirus.

“We would remind everyone that coronavirus is still active in our communities, and therefore this does not mean a return to normality.

“We ask the public to observe the new regulations and to limit their contact with other people as much as possible so that we all work together to bring the numbers of positive cases down.

“This means staying out of other people’s homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to do so by contact tracers.

“All of these actions will help to break the chains of transmission, reduce the spread of the virus, and keep people safe.

“We understand that people will want to carry on with their Christmas shopping now the fire-break has ended.

“We would suggest to try to visit shops during off-peak times, to always maintain social distancing and to wear a face covering if you can. Options such as ‘click and collect’ or online purchasing may also be something to consider.

“We recognise that many people may be finding life more challenging, resulting in difficulties with mental health. There are many agencies which provide help and support, including the C.A.L.L. helpline on 0800 132 737, which will refer callers to the most appropriate organisation according to their needs.

“If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the coronavirus, such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free coronavirus test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.”