Jump in Covid-19 cases in borough blamed on “lack of social distancing”

The increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Caerphilly County Borough has been blamed on a “lack of social distancing”.

According to figures from Public Health Wales, 11 new cases were reported in the borough on Wednesday (September 2), with 46 new cases reported in the last seven days.

This is the second highest figure in Wales, behind only Cardiff, which recorded 57 new cases.

For comparison, just five new cases were reported in Newport during that time frame, with Blaenau-Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire each recording just one new case over the same period.

As a result of the increase in cases, a temporary walk-in test centre will be set up at Caerphilly leisure centre “imminently”, according to Public Health Wales.

Caerphilly Observer understands the increase in cases come mainly from the Caerphilly South area of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

This area covers GP practices in Caerphilly town, Abertridwr, Senghenydd, Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen and Llanbradach.

Commenting on the number of cases in the borough, Dr Rhianwen Stiff, of Public Health Wales, said: “Our investigations indicate that a lack of social distancing by a small group of people of all age groups, in a range of different locations has resulted in the spread of the virus to other parts of the population.

“It appears that as lockdown restrictions have eased, people have taken advantage of the greater possibilities for activities, but they seem to have forgotten the importance of social distancing – resulting in possible transmission in the wider community.

“It is clear that the virus spreads more easily in indoor settings, and people should take extra care to socially distance in these cases to keep themselves and their friends and families as safe as possible.”

Dr Stiff added: “I would remind everyone that the Welsh Government’s regulations restricts social gatherings to 30 people outdoors, and social distancing should be maintained in all cases.

“Additionally, if you have children that attend school, college or other childcare settings, and any member of your household has tested positive or developed symptoms, you must not send your children to school.

“They will be considered as contacts and will need to isolate for 14 days. If you are deemed as a contact and you receive a negative test you must still continue to isolate for the 14 day period.

“I would invite any Caerphilly resident who has identified even the mildest of coronavirus symptoms, or if they have been feeling generally unwell for no apparent reason, to come and get a test. 

To apply for a coronavirus test, visit obv.sr/c19test