CEREDIGION has seen Covid rates plummet over the last few weeks, and are now the lowest rate in mainland Britain – but leaders are keen to stress “we aren’t out of the woods yet”.

The county recorded a total of 25 cases in the last seven days. And between 21 and 27 January - in the latest seven-day rolling figures available - ithad an infection rate of 34.4 cases per 100,000 population.

This means Ceredigion has the fourth lowest rate of infection across the UK as a whole, behind the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands.

On Friday, Ceredigion recorded no new cases of Covid-19 for the first time since October, but since then has recorded 15 cases with six over the weekend and nine cases on Monday.

These latest cases aren’t yet reflected in the government data.

A Ceredigion council spokesperson said: “The latest coronavirus figures for Ceredigion, which are 34.4 to every 100,000 of the population (as of 1 February), show that it is possible to bring the virus back to a controllable level if we all work together to stay home and keep a social distance at all times.

”We appreciate the sacrifices everyone has made and thank you for working together to do the right thing in this difficult time.

“However, it must be emphasised that we are not out of the woods yet. The coronavirus remains a very dangerous infection in our communities and has shown that it can spread extremely quickly.

“Therefore, now is not the time for complacency.

“We must all continue to stay at home, keep a social distance, wash our hands regularly and wear masks in indoor essential public places.

“Let’s continue to do what we have done so well so far.”

They urged anyone with symptoms to get a test.

“As the number of coronavirus cases fall in Ceredigion, people are reminded that it’s still as important as ever to book a Covid-19 test if they have any symptoms,” the spokesperson said.

“The only way to get a true picture of the coronavirus situation in our county is to hold the necessary tests.

“People are reminded that it’s vitally important to book a test if they have any of the main symptoms.”

To book a test go to the Welsh Government’s website: https://gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 119.

They added: “People should also be aware of other early symptoms and they should book a test if they have any doubt that they could be infected. These symptoms include a headache, tiredness and general aches and pains which are usually connected with the flu.”

Powys had 162 cases in the latest seven days and its rolling cases average, from 21 to 27 January, gives a rate of 122.3 per 100,000 population.

Carmarthenshire fared worse, with a rolling seven-day average of 152, and it recorded 287 cases in the last seven days.