Swansea Covid cases declining claims council leader

THE rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases in Swansea has come down in recent days, the leader of the council has said.

Cllr Rob Stewart said he hoped this was an indication that the infection rate was stabilising, but added that it was too early to say for sure.

The situation, he said, was being closely monitored.

Swansea has been under stricter Covid-19 restrictions since September 27 following a surge in the number of positive cases.

Cllr Stewart said he hoped Swansea would follow Caerphilly, where cases have come down after tighter measures were implemented in early September.

Addressing a meeting of full council, the Swansea Labour leader also revealed that discussions about “clear triggers” for exiting the local lockdown were ongoing with the Welsh Government.

Cllr Stewart thanked the “vast majority” of Swansea residents who have been following the latest measures.

He added: “There are still a few pockets of people who refuse to follow the rules, both in the general public and in the business community.”

He said enforcement activity had been stepped up, and that action would continue to be taken against those breaking the rules.

Data up to September 27 showed Swansea had 100 positive cases per 100,000 population.

Blaenau Gwent had 274.8 cases per 100,000 – the highest in Wales – while Pembrokeshire, with 8.7, had the lowest.

Speaking after the meeting, Clr Stewart said positive cases had risen quickly in Swansea to 96 before increasing more slowly to 100 – and that’s before the stricter measures were introduced.

In Swansea the main restrictions at present are:

– people cannot enter or leave the county without a reasonable excuse
– people can no longer form or be in an extended household, meaning that meeting indoors with anyone who is not part of your household is not allowed
– licensed premises have to stop serving alcohol at 10.00pm
– people must work from home wherever possible.

The latest Covid-related hospital admission data in Wales is due to be published today. (October 1)

Cllr Stewart urged people and businesses to keep following the regulations.

“The overall picture in Swansea remains a positive one,” he said.