For the latest local lockdown review announced on October 8, click here

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The local lockdown will remain in place in Caerphilly County Borough for at least another seven days.

Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden and chief executive Christina Harrhy confirmed the news in a joint-statement released today (October 1).

Local lockdown restrictions have been in place in the borough since September 8.

Cllr Marsden and Ms Harrhy said: “Following a meeting with the First Minister today, we have agreed that our restrictions will remain in place for at least another seven days.

“We also agreed to develop our exit plan over the next week, working with Welsh Government and partner colleagues, in readiness for our next formal seven-day review period.

They added: “This is a positive step, but we still have further work to do before we are able to relax our restrictions.

“The rate of infection per 100,000 population has dropped from over 100 to around 50 over recent weeks. This is a great achievement, but we still have some further work to do in order to reduce it even further.”

Speaking about the exit strategy, Cllr Marsden and Ms Harrhy said: “We will develop our exit plans over the next few days but we remain in a critical position. Before we are able to relax any of the restrictions, we still need to bring the numbers down further.

“We know we are asking a lot from you, but we also know that you share our passion and resolve to keep our people and place safe.

“So, let’s keep our collective efforts going – let’s push a little harder and let’s kick this virus into touch.”

Dr Robin Howe, incident director at PHW, said: “Following the introduction of restrictions in the borough of Caerphilly, our data is beginning to show a downward trend.

“Although we cannot categorically say this trend is a result of lockdown, we are cautiously optimistic and we are looking at a number of alternative sources to validate these results.”

Welsh Government has been contacted for comment.