HEALTH chiefs in Ceredigion say that Covid-19 cases are increasing at ‘an alarming rate’ – but no Omicron cases have been recorded in the county.

After months of relatively low infection rates in Ceredigion, has seen the highest increase in the whole of Wales over the last seven days.

Ceredigion County Council says that the new cases are still mainly driven by people under the age of 25.

In an update this afternoon, Ceredigion council said: “We are currently seeing high numbers in New Quay and Penbryn which is currently at 654.2 per 100,000 of the population, Lampeter and Llanfihangel Ystrad area which remains at 570.2 per 100,000 of the population and Borth and Bontgoch which is at 618.3 per 100,000 of the population.

“The Welsh Government are becoming increasingly concerned with the rates of infection across Wales which includes cases of the new variant, Omicron.

“There are currently no confirmed Omicron cases in Ceredigion, but we know it will be here soon and we must do all that we can to keep ourselves and our families safe.

“Omicrom is expected to be the most dominant form of virus by the end of the month in Wales. This is concerning for Ceredigion as infection rates are currently increasing rapidly with levels at 376.9 per 100,000 of the population.”

From 27 December, new legal restrictions will come into force, to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus in Wales. This will include the reintroduction of the 2m rule on social distancing in work places, asking business to put in extra measures such as physical barriers and one-way systems and the closure of nightclubs.

To play our part and to keep each other safe, it is important that we stick to these new measures, to ensure that we reduce the number of people getting infected, becoming seriously ill and having to use our vital NHS service who are already under extreme pressure at this current time.

Hywel Dda Health Board are now offering drop in sessions for the booster vaccine. You can get more information here: hduhb.nhs.wales/covid-19-vaccine-programme-update-wednesday-15-december-2021/

The symptoms of Covid-19 include a high temperature, a new and continuous cough and a loss or change in sense of smell or sense of taste. Some people infected have also shown other milder symptoms such as headache, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and general flu-related aches and pains.

If you have any symptoms, however mild, you must self-isolate and arrange a test immediately, leaving your home for a test only. You can order a test online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

A council spokesperson added: “The best gift this Christmas is a COVID-19 free Christmas. Let’s work together to ensure that we can achieve this.”