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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 8).

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

Cllr Marsden and Ms Harrhy said: “Last week we advised you that the number Coronavirus cases across the county borough had fallen from over 100 cases per 100,000 population to approximately 50 cases per 100,000. 

“This was encouraging news and was the result of the collective action of our residents, businesses and partners. In response to this positive position, you will recall that we agreed to develop our exit strategy with Welsh Government.

“We can only implement these plans once we have absolute confidence that the virus is under control and it is safe for us to begin to relax the restrictions. This is a fast-moving situation and over the past few days we have seen a shift in the data.

“Unfortunately it is a shift in the wrong direction withthe latest data showing an increase in our infection rate – today it is 60.2 cases per 100,000 population.

“Last week, we were quietly confident that we were beginning to see ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, however, this week has been quite different. We have experienced an increased number of local incidents across all parts of the county borough, including a number of issues linked to private clubs.

The number of Coronavirus hospital admissions has also risen and we have seen an overall increased number of positive cases. Furthermore, our colleagues in Gwent Police have experienced an increase in the number of complaints relating to people gathering within households and outside groups.

Given the current situation, we do not have absolute confidence at this time that the virus is under control. Therefore, the current restrictions are going to remain in place for at least another seven days.”