ORGANISATIONS at the frontline of response to Covid-19 have warned that communities in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are in the eye of the storm as the area faces record cases of the disease.

The cases in the Hywel Dda University Health Board region are now at an average over seven days of 316.3 per 100,000 population, and in Carmarthenshire, this is as high as 448.2 (figures 3-9 December).

This compares, for example, to 242 cases per 100,000 population in London, and 199 per 100,000 in Birmingham during the same period.

A Hywel Dda spokesperson said: “This is putting strain on our community and hospital NHS services, with more than 150 people in local acute hospitals with Covid-19, which is more than the peak during the first phase.

“This is creating staff problems, as a significant number, around 930, health board staff are absent either sick or isolating. Clinical professionals and support staff in work are under significant pressure as they deal with both Covid and non-Covid patients.”

Leaders from Hywel Dda University Health Board and county councils in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire say they are facing an emergency situation and need the community to make even more sacrifices in the interests of keeping our communities safe.

Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board Maria Battle said: “The darkest hour is before the dawn and whilst hope is on the horizon in the form of the vaccine, this feels like our hardest hour yet.

“Our NHS and other care staff and critical workers have put themselves in harm’s way during the course of their work. Whilst we know it is hard after this time and as we approach a special time of year, the risk we all face could be greatly reduced by each of us taking action.”

Carmarthenshire County Council leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “We are very seriously concerned about the rapid spread of the virus in Carmarthenshire’s communities.

“We are so concerned that in the run-up to Christmas and with the virus spreading so quickly, we are asking people to consider self-isolating to protect themselves and their families. Please do everything you can to stay safe.”

Practical steps we can all take include:

Keep two metres apart, wash hands thoroughly and regularly and wear a face covering when needed

Think carefully about your Christmas plans and only do what you ‘must’ do not what you ‘can’ do

Avoid physical social interaction and any gatherings

Work from home and avoid car sharing

It is also important to self-isolate and get tested if showing any symptoms and to self-isolate if another member of the household is showing symptoms.