High Covid numbers in Ceredigion over the last few weeks have led to a number of hospital admissions.

Health chiefs at Ceredigion County Council say that high numbers of new Covid-19 infections are being recorded across the county, with a particularly sharp rise in the Cardigan and Aberporth area where the rate of infection currently stands at 1,081.3 cases per 100,000 population.

This is the highest level we have seen throughout this pandemic in Ceredigion.

The levels elsewhere in the county also remain high, with areas such as Lampeter and Llanfihangel Ystrad at 582.3/100,000 of the population and New Quay and Penbryn at 578.1/100,000.

The number of cases amongst people under 25 years old continues to rise. In the last seven days, this has increased to 898.6/100,000 of the population.

These levels have been consistently high for a number of weeks and unfortunately is resulting in a number of hospital admissions.

Ceredigion County Council said this morning: “We urge that care is taken as we go to work and socialise. Covid-19 has not gone away and we all need to continue to play our part to keep each other safe.

“It is never too late to get your vaccine, this will give you the best protection against the virus as we look ahead to winter.

“The Covid-19 vaccine offers you protection but also offers greater protection for your loved ones and our communities. Getting vaccinated saves lives.”

The booster vaccine is now being rolled out which will be followed by the rollout of the vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds in October.

For further information regarding how to get your vaccine, visit Hywel Dda Health Board’s website: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination-programme/

If you develop any symptoms, self-isolate immediately and book a test via the UK Government portal at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

The main symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to smell or taste. You should also be mindful of symptoms including a sore throat, runny nose, headache, tiredness, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell.

The increase in coronavirus cases is having an impact on council services due to staff shortages.

As is the case across the country, many of the council’s services are facing significant pressures with staff shortages, from carers to teaching assistants, cleaners, road-workers and administrative staff and many more. These are all key roles to deliver frontline services.

A full list of current vacancies are on the council’s careers website at https://careers.ceredigion.gov.uk