FOLLOWING a warning over rising cases in Aberystwyth yesterday, Ceredigion council is today (Sunday) making a similar plea to people in the Lampeter area.

A spokesperson for the county council said: "We are seeing an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Lampeter and Dyffryn Aeron area.

"The current rate in Ceredigion is 159.6 per 100,000 population (as of 1pm, 5 December), which shows that the rate is increasing every day.

"Over the last week, we have seen over 35 positive cases in the area. From the work of the Ceredigion Contact Tracing Team, we can see how the virus has spread. These include social gatherings and workplace transmission.

"Wherever we are and whoever we are with, we must all be vigilant at all times and make sure that we follow the guidelines. Social distancing, washing your hands regularly and wearing a face mask will protect you and those around you.

"As we approach Christmas, we must ensure that we avoid getting together with friends and family who aren’t in our extended households. We know it’s difficult to limit the number of people we see, but limiting our contacts is essential for keeping the virus from spreading. This is how we will ultimately protect our loved ones.

"Ceredigion County Council will always take the necessary steps to keep our residents safe and will take decisive action when required. Our Public Protection Officers are working with colleagues at Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that businesses are complying with the regulations and have served several notices over the last few weeks where improvement is needed."

The outbreak in Cardigan has been brought under control, with Premises Directions against four businesses now revoked.

These are Priory Café, T Samways, the Red Lion Inn, and the Bell Hotel.

Schools and Flying Start nurseries in the area reopen tomorrow, after a two-week closure due to a spike in Covid-19 cases.

* There were 32 new cases confirmed in Ceredigion yesterday (Saturday), with 16 in Powys, 82 in Carmarthenshire, in 29 Pembrokeshire and nine in Gwynedd.