THERE are currently 18 patients in Bronglais Hospital with Covid-19.

Giving an update to Cabinet members this morning, Ceredigion Council leader, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, said that Hywel Dda University Health Board has informed her that there are 18 patients with Covid-19 in the Aberystwyth hospital, which Cllr ap Gwynn said was ‘higher than it has been for a long time’.

On a more positive note, she added: “Figures seem to be improving throughout Wales, but I have also received a message this morning so say that there apparently has been a problem with some of the laboratories and not all the PCR test results are coming through as they should.

“But hopefully, we are seeing that the numbers are decreasing.”

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.

57 Ceredigion County Council members of staff are currently off work with Covid-19, 28 of who work in the county’s schools, but Cllr ap Gwynn reported that all schools are open and that pupils had returned to class this week, adding that she hoped this would continue.

Cabinet members also heard that 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.

Cllr ap Gwynn said chief executive Eifion Evans had asked for 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.