People ‘posting crap on social media’ big barrier to Covid control says leader of hard-hit council

People “posting complete crap” on social media has been one of the biggest barriers to controlling Covid-19 according to the leader of one of Wales’ hardest-hit local authorities.

Rhondda Cynon Taf has the third-highest number of cases per 100,000 of the population in Wales.

Council Leader Andrew Morgan said that “when I am offered the vaccine I’ll happily have it and be filmed doing it”.

“One of the biggest barriers to getting Covid under control seems to be social media. That small number of self-appointed epidemiologists posting complete crap with little to no facts involved.

“Debate is healthy but needs to be based on facts. If we have 75,000 deaths in U.K. with restrictions imagine the numbers if there hadn’t been restrictions.

“I’m in meetings seven days a week and 100% fed up of Covid but I still listen carefully to all the latest info and advice.”

He also called for those protesting against the restrictions to be fined £1000.

“These idiots protesting against Covid lockdowns and restrictions are part of the very reason we have the lockdowns,” he said.

Report

The latest figures from Public Health Wales today have confirmed a further 56 people have died after contracting coronavirus and 4,011 people have tested positive for the virus.

21 of the newly reported deaths were in the by Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board area.

Cardiff and Vale reported 10 deaths and there were nine in Hywel Dda, eight in Aneurin Bevan and six in Swansea Bay.

Betsi Cadwaladr and Powys each reported one death each.

Today’s report covers the 48-hour period from 09:00 GMT on 31 December to 09:00 on 2 January instead of the usual 24-hour period.

Cardiff (413) had the highest number of new cases over the two days followed by Bridgend (397) and Rhondda Cynon Taf (367).

Bridgend has the highest weekly case rate in Wales at 905.8 per 100,000 of the population.