Be “vigilant and responsible” and “follow the rules” says Flintshire Council chief as Wales looks to ease more lockdown measures
Flintshire Council chief executive has called on people to be “vigilant and responsible” and “follow the rules” as Wales eases some lockdown measures at the weekend.
Colin Everett has said the situation is “far more stable in Flintshire” than recent weeks, but cases have risen slightly, despite many areas of Wales seeing the number of positive COVID-19 cases falling.
According to the latest data from Public Health Wales, the rolling seven day case rate per 100,000 people in Flintshire stands at 66 compared to Wales’ average of 39.
In the past 21 days, 314 new Coronavirus cases have been reported in Flintshire, only Cardiff reported more with 391.
The Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Cell (TAC) published its latest report on Wednesday in it, they state there has been a “notable increase in cases incidence in several local authority areas.”
“This can be largely attributed to a number of localised clusters in healthcare settings, households and schools that appear to be related to noncompliance with guidance and restrictions rather than community transmission.”
“It will be critical to support individuals to manage their own protective behaviours as restrictions begin to relax.” TAC says.
The good news is that the current seven day case rate in Flintshire is over ten times lower than at the height of the COVID-19 second wave.
That was the point which saw Wales go into the current alert level 4 lockdown on December 20 last year.
Wales’ tourism sector will be able to start re-opening from Saturday March 27 as the stay-local rule is lifted, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
The rules will also be changed to enable organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under-18s to take place and up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors:
Ahead of that decision and the possible exiting of some lockdown measures, Flintshire Council chief executive Colin Everett said that latest modelling shows there is a “risk of an upward turn” in the infection rates.
Mr Everett said: “The situation in Flintshire and across North Wales is far more stable than some weeks back but we are not out of this pandemic yet.”
“For the infection rates to be kept down we all need to follow the rules and restrictions that apply at the time, and be vigilant and responsible. ”
“The latest modelling from the national partners in Wales illustrates the risks of an upward turn in the infection rates as we exit the long ‘lockdown’ in stages.”
The chief executive said, the twin factors which will see us through the next couple of months are, “firstly the reach of the vaccination programme and secondly, public cooperation with the public health rules and restrictions. We need both in equal measure.”
“We closely monitor the situation daily with Public Health Wales, the Health Board and our other partners.”
“We are quick to investigate any local clusters of cases and to act to provide immediate advice and support – whether the setting is a workplace, an educational setting or any other place.”
“We give tailored support and guidance to communities and businesses, and also work closely with our schools and colleges to ensure that work and study environments are as safe as possible.
“We also enforce where we have no option in cases of clear breaches of the rules and regulations as do our partners, including North Wales Police.”
“We appeal to our public to continue to work with us in being socially responsible. The finishing line for this pandemic is in sight and we need to hold our nerve.”
Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:
“In many areas of Wales, the numbers of cases are falling. It is now so important that we don’t throw away the substantial gains that we have made, and I would like to send a clear message to everyone that Coronavirus hasn’t disappeared and there are still a large number of people who have not been vaccinated.”
“In order to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable, we must all stick to the rules.”
“Welsh Government restrictions state that you should not go into any other household or mix indoors with other people who you don’t live with.
“If you are contacted by your local Test Trace and Protect (TTP) team then it is important that you are truthful with them about where you have been and who you have met.”
“They are not there to judge, they are there to help prevent ongoing transmission of the virus and to protect the community.”
“If you are asked to self-isolate by your local TTP team then please ensure that you do so for the full ten days – this will help break any chains of transmission.”
“We encourage everyone, whatever their background, social demographic and ethnicity, to have the vaccine when they are offered it.”
“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by visiting www.gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.”
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