Schools have been asked to put in additional measures as coronavirus cases in Ceredigion continue to rise to “never-before-seen levels”.

Ceredigion council said that case rates are “currently very high and are increasing daily” and warned that community transmission needed to be reduced “to ensure that our schools can reopen fully after half-term”.

“We are specifically concerned regarding the increasing infection rates in the Aberystwyth area,” the council said.

“Daily case figures show that community transmission has played a big part in the increase in cases in the area and Public Health Wales data will show in the coming days that the case numbers are at levels we have never seen in Ceredigion.

“The number of cases is having a significant effect on our schools and as a result we have asked some schools to put in place additional measures.”

The council is urging residents to “think about who you are meeting and where” during the October half-term break next week.

“The more people who meet in close contact, the more chance they have of catching and spreading the virus,” the council said.

“To reduce community transmission and to ensure that our schools can reopen fully after half term, we must stick to the basics.

“We know that this is difficult, but we ask you to make this sacrifice so that we can protect our communities, our friends and our families ahead of the winter period.”

Anyone who develops any coronavirus symptoms must self-isolate immediately and book a test, only leaving home to get tested. You can book a test here: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

People should also be aware of other symptoms early on, such as headaches, tiredness and general aches and pains usually associated with flu.

People who generally feel unwell are being urged to be extra cautious.

The vaccine is the best protection against the virus. Information regarding how and where you can access the Covid-19 vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine can be found on hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/immunisation-and-vaccination/