An “exceptional” amount of support for care at home has been shown by 300 Ceredigion council staff who have put their names down to volunteer if needed.

Ceredigion County Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said chief executive Eifion Evans had asked members of staff with DBS certificates if they could offer support if “things deteriorate” in the service due to Covid-19, and 300 stepped up.

“I think that’s an exceptional response and just shows how strong the community spirit is in Ceredigion, when help is needed people are willing to offer their help,” said Cllr ap Gwynn.

Cllr ap Gwynn was updating cabinet on the Covid-19 situation in the county on Tuesday (January 11) and said that there had been a reduction in figures but warned there may be a delay in reporting PCR results from some laboratories.

She said that there were 57 members of council staff unable to work due to Covid currently, including 28 from schools, adding it was good news that all schools had reopened and pupils retuned this week.

Six of the council’s care homes are in the red category due to staff having Covid-19 and four are amber, but no residents are suffering, added Cllr ap Gwynn.

Cabinet heard there were 18 positive cases in Bronglais, which is “higher than it has been for a long time,” said Cllr ap Gwynn.