THE number of new cases of coronavirus in the Hywel Dda area showed 71 recorded today (Tuesday, December 1).

Public Health Wales figures show 19 new cases of Covid-19 in Pembrokeshire, a further nine cases have been recorded in Ceredigion and 43 in Carmarthenshire.

No deaths have been recorded in Hywel Dda Health Board since yesterday’s figures with the total number at 116.

There has now been a total of 987 cases in Pembrokeshire reported throughout the pandemic, 597 in Ceredigion and 3,420 in Carmarthenshire.

There were 667 new cases reported across Wales with Public Health Wales recording 23 new deaths.

Wales now has had a total of 81,009 cases and 2,563 people have died with suspected Covid-19.

There were 7,372 tests carried out across Wales on Monday, November 30.

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

“It is now clear from the data that the coronavirus cases are rising in most parts of Wales, reversing the downward trend we had observed as a result of the firebreak.

“The Welsh Government have introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday, December 6 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."