Students from Whitland’s secondary school Ysgol Dyffryn Taf who had been asked to self-isolate after a ‘potential positive’ Covid-19 test to a Year 8 pupil, will now be able to attend school tomorrow (November 16), after the test proved negative.

The school’s headteacher Julian Kennedy said in a statement today (Sunday, November 15): “I am pleased to inform you that the pupil in Year 8 who was having a Covid-19 re-test received a negative result.

“Year 8 pupils, and those on the 749 bus route who had been contacted by the school, therefore no longer need to self-isolate.

“All pupils will be expected to attend school tomorrow as normal.

“I appreciate that a number of you will have had to make and now cancel emergency child care arrangements.

“Please accept my apologies for that inconvenience, which arose from a situation beyond the control of the school and that of the family affected.

“Given the possibility of further disruption across the winter, we do not wish pupils to miss school unnecessarily.

“Diolch for your patience and understanding,” he added.

Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire County Council has welcomed encouraging news that Coronavirus cases in the county are starting to fall, showing promising signs that the fire-break restrictions have had the right effect.

However, the authority is appealing for everyone to stay on their guard and continue to limit their contacts to help the numbers fall even further and protect our most vulnerable.

The rate of infection for the county is now 129.8 per 100,000 of the population, down from 190.7 per 100,000 in the previous week.

As businesses re-open following the fire-break and with the autumn rugby internationals kicking off last Friday night, council Leader Clr. Emlyn Dole said people should take hope from the decline but remain as vigilant as possible if they’re going out and about.

“Our businesses need our support more than ever, and your custom is so appreciated,” he said.

“We are doing all we can to support our businesses to provide a safe environment for customers and their staff.

“We are continuing our proactive visits to premises to offer advice and support - in the run up to, and throughout the autumn rugby and football matches we’ll concentrate our efforts on supporting licensed premises to provide a safe space for people to meet.

“It’s very important though for people to familiarise themselves with the new rules ahead of visiting any venues - you can meet with friends in maximum groups of four, but we must still maintain social distancing from anyone we don’t live with.

“Premises will be checking identification as part of enhanced Test, Trace, Protect procedures, and face coverings must be worn when not seated.

“Table service will be provided, and alcohol cannot be sold after 10 pm.

“These are simple rules - so long as we all stick to them and support our businesses to operate safely we should be able get out and enjoy.

“Let’s all remain vigilant and be sensible to that we can continue to see these cases fall.

“There are vulnerable people in our communities and our care homes who we need to protect - we need to remember that.”

For daily Covid-19 updates, sources of advice and support, answers to frequently asked questions and more, visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales