A SMALL cluster of Covid-19 cases has been identified in a Carmarthenshire village.

At present there are 18 cases (as at June 9) in Pontyberem in the Gwendraeth Valley which are linked to known social gatherings or where the virus has been passed between people living together.

Most cases affect people who are not yet vaccinated or have only received their first dose.

Several agencies are working together to keep the spread of infection under control, and contact tracing continues.

Pontyberem Cricket Club postponed their games over the weekend due to the current situation.

A statement from Carmarthenshire council said: "We would like to thank the community for their sensible and cautious response. This has included the voluntary closure of some local premises, including sports clubs, and the suspension of planned events, training sessions and matches that may have attracted social gatherings. We continue to offer advice and support to local clubs and sports groups and enhanced measures are being implemented at venues to protect and reassure staff and patrons.

"These efforts, together with the collective effort of local people to reduce their social contact, should keep the situation under control."

The council said it is closely monitoring the situation and that it does not at this time warrant mass community-based testing, but if anyone begins to experience any of the Covid-19 or wider flu-like symptoms to self-isolate and book a test as soon as possible.

The council spokesperson added: "We advise Pontyberem residents to take extra care and to reduce social contact until the situation improves, however we remind everyone to take personal responsibility for following Covid-19 rules around social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing face coverings to protect themselves and others.

"We also continue to encourage everyone to attend their vaccination appointments to ensure they have the best protection against severe illness from the virus."

A statment from Hywel Dda said the health board is working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and Public Health Wales to monitor the situation in the Pontyberem area.

Adding: "Testing is available locally for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus and we are well-placed to provide extra testing facilities in the area should this be considered necessary."

Anyone experiencing any of the COVID-19 or wider flu-like symptoms that are new, persistent and/or unusual for them must self-isolate and book a test as soon as possible. People can book a home testing kit which is sent to their home, or they can request a test locally. To book a test, visit https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test or call 119 (between 7am and 11pm). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119.

People can book a home testing kit to be sent to their home, or they can request a test locally (Carmarthen and Llanelli).

To book a test, visit gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test or call 119 (between 7am and 11pm). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119.

For added reassurance people without symptoms can also get rapid lateral flow Covid-19 tests delivered to their home or can pick them up from a local testing centre. Visit gov.wales for further information.