Sixteen more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Caerphilly County Borough, according to the latest figures from Public Health Wales.

The figures, which were recorded on Thursday (September 3), show an increase on the 11 new cases recorded the previous day.

Across Wales, 51 new cases were reported on Thursday, with no deaths.

In the last seven days, 56 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the borough – the highest figure of any county in Wales.

In the same time period, there have been 55 new cases in Cardiff, and 30 in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Meanwhile, there have been only two new cases in Newport, one in Blaenau Gwent and none in Torfaen or Monmouthshire.

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

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

Public Health Wales, alongside ABUHB and Caerphilly County Borough Council issued a warning to residents on Friday morning (September 4), owing to the rise in cases.

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.”

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, tweeted: “The rise in coronavirus cases in Caerphilly shows how quickly things can change if we don’t keep our distance.

“If you live in the area please follow the public health advice. We can only prevent the spread of coronavirus if we all work together.”

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, said he’s spoken with ABUHB about the rise in cases, and added: “While there has been a rise in confirmed positive cases in Caerphilly town, the health board assured me that the test, trace and protect system is working and helping them identify those people who may have been affected. 

“While people need to be aware of the situation, there are no immediate plans to introduce local restrictions in Caerphilly town or the wider County Borough.”