CONFIRMED cases of coronavirus have risen by 75 in the Hywel Dda health board area today’s (Monday, November 30) Public Health Wales figures indicate.

There have been 25 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Pembrokeshire, a further six cases have been recorded in Ceredigion and 44 in Carmarthenshire.

Another three people have died in Hywel Dda with coronavirus since yesterday’s figures with the total number now at 116.

There has now been a total of 968 cases in Pembrokeshire reported throughout the pandemic, 588 in Ceredigion and 3,377 in Carmarthenshire.

Over the weekend (November 28 and 29) there were 204 new cases recorded in the Hywel Dda health board area – 53 of them in Pembrokeshire, 40 in Ceredigion and 111 in Carmarthenshire.

This was on top of 451 new cases in the previous week (November 23 to 27) with 91 of those in Pembrokeshire, 87 in Ceredigion and 273 in Carmarthenshire.

There were 802 new cases reported across Wales with Public Health Wales recording three new deaths.

Wales now has had a total of 80,342 cases and 2,540 people have died with suspected Covid-19.

There were 12,669 tests carried out across Wales on Sunday, November 29.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“The Welsh Government have today introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday, December 4 ahead of Christmas period, in order to reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread in our communities and to keep people safe.

“Pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes will need to close at 6pm apart from takeaway services, and will not be able to serve alcohol.

“Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, bingo halls, soft play centres and bowling alleys must close from the same date, as must indoor visitor attractions such as museums, galleries and heritage sites.

“Public Health Wales strongly urges everyone to follow these rules, to avoid transmission of coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.

“The festive period is important for people across Wales who want to be with loved ones during the holidays, particularly after a very difficult year, but we would remind everyone that we must each continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. 

"For many, this will mean that it isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas in the way you normally would.

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

“We understand that people will want to do their Christmas shopping at this time of year. 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 ask the public to observe the 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 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 are in severe mental distress or are having suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans Cymru free on 116 123. You can also find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help or are worried about a loved one.

“NHS Wales is still here to help you if you need care, and it’s important you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. You should phone beforehand and follow any guidance your local surgery, dentist, optometrist or health service has put in place to protect you and staff, including the need to keep 2m away from other patients.

“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.

“Helpful advice and support is available via the NHS COVID-19 app.  As well as providing alerts if you have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, the app will also tell you the current risk level in your area.

“Information about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales website, or via the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker.