CORONAVIRUS cases in Carmarthenshire are starting to fall, showing promising signs that the fire-break restrictions have had the right effect.

Carmarthenshire County Council has welcomed the encouraging news but is appealing for everyone to stay on their guard and continue to limit their contacts to help the numbers fall even further and protect our most vulnerable.

The rate of infection for the county is now 129.8 per 100,000 of the population, down from 190.7 per 100,000 in the previous week.

As businesses re-open following the fire-break and with the autumn rugby internationals, council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said people should take hope from the decline but remain as vigilant as possible if they’re going out and about.

“Our businesses need our support more than ever, and your custom is so appreciated,” he said.

“We are doing all we can to support our businesses to provide a safe environment for customers and their staff. We are continuing our proactive visits to premises to offer advice and support - in the run up to, and throughout the autumn rugby and football matches we’ll concentrate our efforts on supporting licensed premises to provide a safe space for people to meet.

“It’s very important though for people to familiarise themselves with the new rules ahead of visiting any venues - you can meet with friends in maximum groups of four, but we must still maintain social distancing from anyone we don’t live with. Premises will be checking identification as part of enhanced Test, Trace, Protect procedures, and face coverings must be worn when not seated. Table service will be provided, and alcohol cannot be sold after 10pm.

“These are simple rules - so long as we all stick to them and support our businesses to operate safely we should be able get out and enjoy. Let’s all remain vigilant and be sensible to that we can continue to see these cases fall. There are vulnerable people in our communities and our care homes who we need to protect - we need to remember that.”