PEOPLE in the Porthmadog area are being urged to get tested if they have covid symptoms following the confirmation of two cases of the Indian variant of the virus in the town.

With two confirmed cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19, which originated in India, in the Porthmadog area, the Gwynedd Covid-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group is urging residents who develop any symptoms to get a test as soon as possible.

A total of 14 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the area, with two of those so far confirmed to be the Delta variant of concern.

All of the cases are linked and local Test, Trace and Protect staff are offering advice to the 14 confirmed cases and approximately 200 further individual contacts. Those contacted are required to self-isolate for 14-days as part of efforts to limit the spread of the Delta variant.

To limit the spread of the new Covid-19 variant locally, the multi-agency team that is working to protect residents is urging people to:

• follow current Welsh Government guidance: do not enter other people’s homes; work from home if possible; limit the number of people you meet socially; wear a face covering; observe social distancing and wash hands regularly. When indoors keep windows and doors open to help bring in the fresh air;

• self-isolate immediately if you, or anyone in your home, is showing any Covid-19 symptoms and go for a test as soon as possible. To make this process as convenient as possible, a mobile testing unit is currently located at Llyn Bach car-park in Porthmadog. To arrange a test phone 119 or online via thehttps://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test website (the unit is open 9.30am-4.30pm, seven days a week);

• as an additional measure, those contacted by the TTP team connected to these recent cases in Porthmadog are required to self-isolate for 14 days, rather than ten days – this will help to limit the spread;

• share all relevant information with Gwynedd’s TTP tracers and advisors if you receive a positive test - the places you have visited and your contacts. Keeping information from them could endanger the health of your friends, family and the wider community;

• take-up the offer of the Covid-19 vaccination when it’s offered, including the second dose.

Dafydd Wyn Williams, Chair of the Gwynedd Multi-Agency Covid-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group, said: “The fact that two cases in the Porthmadog area have been confirmed as the Delta variant of the virus is a matter of concern. We are awaiting test results to see whether the further 12 Covid-19 cases are the same variant, all of which are linked.

“This reminds us that Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and it’s as important as ever that local people and visitors to the area follow the rules to keep themselves, their families and the wider community safe.

“We would also urge anyone who develops any Covid-19 symptoms to get a test immediately. As part of the joint efforts in Porthmadog, a mobile testing unit is now located at the Llyn Bach car-park in the town – you can book a test by calling 119 or via the https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test website.”

Dr Eilir Hughes, who leads the Dwyfor Area GP Cluster and is a member of the Gwynedd Prevention and Surveillance Group, added: “We know that the Delta strain of the virus is very transmissible so it’s so important that we all play our part to stop the spread.

“We can do this by staying outdoors when in the company of other people, wearing a face covering, observing social distancing and washing hands regularly. When indoors, please make sure to keep windows and doors open to help bring in the fresh air.

“These latest cases also highlight how important it is for all adults to take-up the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as it is offered to them. This includes the second dose which further boosts the level of protection against the Delta variant.”

Residents can find the latest information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website here https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/