Pembrokeshire County Council is urging residents to take extra caution in the face of rising Covid-19 cases in the County.

The Council is emphasising that the pandemic has not gone away, as evidenced by local hospital admissions going up.

Last week positive cases locally hit 778 cases per 100,000 – one of the highest rates in Wales, and the highest it has been in the County since the start of the pandemic.

Hospital admissions into Withybush Hospital have also significantly increased, with admissions mostly in those over 70 years old who have also been vaccinated.

This highlights that vaccination does not stop you getting Covid-19, although it has reduced the overall numbers of hospital admissions due to the virus.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Clr. David Simpson said the situation was concerning with evidence of widespread community and household transmission happening.

He said it is important for us all to play our part in stopping the continued transmission of Covid and to help drive down infection numbers.

“The message is very much that Covid-19 has not gone away. The pandemic is sadly still with us and we cannot let our guard down,” he continued.

“We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and protect the vulnerable people we interact with.

“Vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself and others, including taking up the booster if offered.

“However, although the vaccination programme is effective we are seeing that it does not always stop you catching Covid-19.

“Therefore it is so important to continue to wear face coverings where required, keep your distance when you can, continue hand hygiene and meet friends and family outdoors if possible. If you do meet indoors, open windows or doors for extra ventilation.”

Clr. Simpson also underlined the importance of breaking the virus transmission by self-isolating immediately if you have Covid-19 symptoms and arranging to get a test.

Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should continue to self-isolate until the test result is known.

Clr. Simpson added: “I am mindful that you will have heard this appeal or very similar many times over the last 18 months or so.

“However, we are entering a crucial time with winter approaching and the preventative measures I’ve outlined really do make a difference.

“We must all take responsibility for doing what we can to reduce the number of cases.”