Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire close 12 schools over Covid-19 fears

Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils have decided to close 12 schools in the counties over concerns about the spread of Covid-19.

Ceredigon, which has had the lowest number of positive Covid-19 infections in Wales so far, said that a “significant number” of positive cases were connected to numerous contacts in the Cardigan area.

Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Gynradd Penparc, Ysgol Gynradd Aberporth, Ysgol Gynradd T.Llew Jones, Ysgol Gynradd Llechryd and Ysgol Gynradd Cenarth will be closed from tomorrow.

In the north of Pembrokeshire, Ysgol y Preseli, Ysgol y Frenni Ysgol Eglwyswrw, Ysgol Llandudoch and Ysgol Cilgerran are closing.

Ceredigion Senedd Member Elin Jones said the incidence of covid over 7 days in the Cardigan/Aberporth area was at 202 per 100,000.

“That’s sky-high by Ceredigion standards,” she said. “The Council has taken immediate action in shutting all schools and educational establishments for two weeks. Many retail and hospitality businesses are needing to close.

“My understanding is that some people ignoring coronavirus rules has led to this worrying situation, holding parties in homes. A small minority putting everybody’s health at risk in the Cardigan area.

“Please stay safe everybody, and keep to the rules. No part of Ceredigion is immune to this virus and its horrible consequences. Thanks to all working on containing this outbreak in the Cardigan area. Diolch bawb.”

‘Action’

The schools will remain closed for two weeks until Monday 7th December 2020.

“There is overwhelming evidence that the speed and spread of the virus in the Cardigan area means that immediate action is needed,” Ceredigion Council said in a letter to parents.

“We have not taken this decision lightly and this action is in response to the need to act decisively. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we must act to protect our school communities, and indeed the whole of the Cardigan area.

“We ask you kindly to be especially cautious and vigilant in the coming weeks. If your child, or any member of your household is feeling unwell you must stay at home.”

Twenty-one new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Ceredigion today.

The letter to parents went on to say that the cases were linked to the actions of the community and not to the actions of local schools.

“We are extremely concerned about the spread of Coronavirus in the Cardigan area,” it said.

“A significant number of recent positive cases has resulted in a very high number of people being classed as contacts to a positive case. Many of these contacts now have Coronavirus symptoms and we are awaiting the test results.

“There is overwhelming evidence that the speed and spread of the virus in the Cardigan area means that immediate action is needed.”