Communities of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil are thanked for their response to enhanced action taken to counter increase in Coronavirus cases

Following the enhanced public health action underway in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil local authority areas to limit the spread of Coronavirus, the agencies responsible for managing the increase in cases have thanked communities for their continued efforts to respond. The appeal for communities to keep to the public health guidelines is again being reiterated.

Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health for Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board and Chair of the multi-agency Incident Management Team, said:

“Last week, we urgently appealed to the communities of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf local authority areas to adopt new, enhanced public health actions.

“Today, I am again appealing to these communities to keep this behaviour going; please let’s not throw away the progress that has been made over the past few days. 

“I want to thank these communities for everything they have done over the past week to play their part in driving down transmission of this virus.  We are starting to see a change in behaviour and I am grateful to everyone for doing what they can to keep themselves, their families, friends and neighbours safe.

 “The warm and sunny weather forecast for this week may be a temptation to throw a party or meet up with friends and acquaintances. Please, don’t be tempted and keep working with us by sticking to social distancing guidelines, so that we can protect older and vulnerable people from Coronavirus. 

 “We are starting to see small numbers of hospital admissions of people with Coronavirus across the Cwm Taf area.  If we don’t stick to the public health regulations, then these numbers of admissions will start to climb in the coming weeks. This is based on what are observing in Europe and what is scientifically known about how the virus can quickly spread from community transmissions to hospital admissions.

“Local Authorities are continuing to monitor and take action where necessary to ensure that ALL businesses and premises comply with COVID-19 regulations  and already taking action to ensure all large supermarkets, retail stores and licensed premises adhere to the Regulations. South Wales Police continue to actively enforce current Wales-wide covid-19 regulations with residents alongside the Councils’ environmental health teams.

“Improvement Notices have already been served on a number of premises across Rhondda Cynon Taf following failures to comply with COVID-19 regulations, these may include, but are not limited to, lack of regulation of social distancing and provision of hand and cleaning sanitiser.

“The public are reminded that if they feel a business, area or premises are not complying, they should not enter or participate in the activity – we all have a personal responsibility to control the spread and help Keep Wales Safe.”  

The public has a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others - washing hands regularly with soap or by using alcohol based sanitiser, and working from home if they can and wearing a face covering in accordance with Welsh Government’s regulations.  

If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for Coronavirus promptly to help control the spread of infection.

People who test positive for Covid-19 should continue to self –isolate for 10 days.

The enhanced action includes asking people to limit the use of public transport to essential purposes only, such as for education, work, essential medical appointments and food shopping.

Local people are also being advised that they should not visit care homes, unless it is an end-of-life visit.  In such cases full PPE will be required.

The enhanced action is the result of a multi-agency Incident Management Team including Public Health Wales, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, and Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf local authorities.