CEREDIGION has recorded 90 new cases of Covid-19 according to the latest figures – which is the lowest in Wales.

Today’s figures, which cover a 48-hour period up to 9am on Sunday, show that 90 cases were recorded in Ceredigion, while 344 were recorded in Carmarthenshire and 144 in Pembrokeshire.

Gwynedd recorded 210 new cases with 196 in Powys.

Across Wales, 5,969 new cases of the virus were recorded over the 48-hour period along with 12 deaths.

The latest suspected Covid-19 deaths take the total number of fatalities since the start of the pandemic to 5,864.

513 of those deaths have been recorded in the Hywel Dda Health Board’s region of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire with 1,035 in Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s area of North Wales and 70 in Powys.

The rate of infection continues to rise across Wales with the rate currently standing at 633.2 cases per 100,000 population.

Meanwhile, doctors in Ceredigion are reminding their patients that they continue to offer face-to-face appointments to those who need to see them.

Throughout the pandemic, GP practices ensured that essential services continued to run, often using innovative ways to communicate with the communities they serve.

Now many practices continue to use telephone and video consultations where appropriate.

Most practices also have online systems such as E-Consult or Ask My GP, to allow patients to ask a non-urgent question about their health.

Dr Sion James of Tregaron Surgery said: “We wish to reassure patients that GP services are still available to you. "When you contact your practice, you will speak to the most appropriate person for your condition and if you need be seen in person, you will be given an appointment at the practice.

“Many conditions can be treated over the phone with advice and if required, a prescription can be issued to your nominated pharmacy. Please do not put off seeking treatment.

“Please remember that community pharmacies offer a wide range of services including treatment for minor ailments.”

Community Pharmacist Richard Evans added: “Community pharmacists have traditionally advised patients on a wide range of ailments. We have always recommended appropriate treatments to the patient, or if necessary, refer them to another healthcare professional.

“During the current pandemic, the dispensing of prescriptions is still the main focus however some other services are also available, such as the Common Ailments Service, Triage and Treat, emergency supply of medication and emergency contraception.

“Some of these services can now be done via telephone consultation, with the patient or a carer/family member collecting any necessary medication.

“Don’t forget to order any repeat medication in plenty of time before you run out.”

In addition to the professional expertise offered at pharmacies, eligible patients will be able to receive their free flu vaccine at the majority of our community pharmacies this winter.