Fresh concerns have been raised this morning over the rate of coronavirus infections in Ceredigion – with the majority of cases among under-25s.

Council chiefs in Ceredigion say that the Covid-19 rates in the county are increasing significantly in all areas.

With pupils due to return to school tomorrow, Ceredigion council is urging people to keep to good practice in order to ensure their safe return to school.

The current levels show the number of cases per 100,000 of the population across the county at its highest level ever at 337 per 100,000.

Certain areas of the county are even higher - Aberystwyth South at 522.9/100,000; Cardigan and Aberporth at 439.3/100,000; Beulah, Troedyarur and Llandysul at 351.8/100,000; and Aberystwyth North at 350.9/100,000.

A council spokesperson said: “All areas in Ceredigion are above 230 per 100,000 which shows that the virus is spreading very quickly within the community and we are expecting the number of cases to increase further over the coming days and weeks.

“In addition, the percentage of those being tested testing positive have increased to 16.6 per cent, which is a significant concern.”

The data shows us that the majority of these cases are in those aged 25 and under, which for Ceredigion currently stands at 555.5/100,000 of the population and increasing.

The council says we are also seeing a number of cases in children under 10.

A council spokesperson added: “Those who are 16 years old and over are now being invited for the vaccine and we urge young people to take up the offer to keep themselves and their families safe from the impact of Covid-19.”

Walk-in vaccination centres are available and further information is available at www.hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination-programme/mass-vaccination-centres/

The spokesperson added: “It is clear that the pandemic is far from over, but by following good practice such as wearing a mask in busy places, including shops and public transport, maintaining good hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing as well as taking up the offer of both doses of the vaccine - we can reduce the worst effect of Covid-19 in Ceredigion.”

You must self-isolate immediately for 10 days at the first sign of any Covid-19 symptoms which are a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. You can book a PCR test via www.gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 119.

To help identify hidden Covid-19 cases in our communities as new variants of the virus emerge, Hywel Dda University Health Board is also encouraging you to have a test if you have any of the following symptoms and they are new, persistent and/or unusual for you:

• Mild summer cold symptoms, including sore throat, runny nose, headache.

• Flu-like symptoms, including myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing; nausea; vomiting; or diarrhoea.

• Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known Covid-19 case.

• Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test.

Even if you’ve been double-vaccinated, remember to wash your hands regularly, wear a face mask where needed and keep a social distance from others in order to keep everyone safe.