CEREDIGION has seen an influx of visitors but Covid-19 cases have remained low, the council’s leader has said.

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn told Ceredigion council’s Cabinet that although there had been a reported increase in cases, many had come back negative after a second test.

“There have been many false positives in those tests,” she said.

“That doesn’t mean we must not be vigilant and not keep up the good work in the county.”

Regular testing at care homes had also not shown an increase in cases, she added.

The increase in visitors had been welcomed by businesses but not necessarily by those concerned about increases in Covid-19 numbers, said Cllr ap Gwynn, adding that four ‘safe zones’ in the main towns had been considered successful with problems “slowly addressed”.

Their implementation has been extended for 18 months, but will not be in place at all times, Cabinet was told.

Chief executive Eifion Evans took an opportunity to correct “suggestions” on social media that there had been high numbers of Covid-19 cases at Bronglais Hospital, saying the number had “not crossed two at Bronglais over the summer period”.

He added that the council worked in partnership with Hywel Dda Health Board and the authority was fully appraised of Covid-19 admissions, even when patients are registered using their home address.­