Reassurance on new coronavirus statistics

Bridgend County Borough Council has issued reassurance over new figures from Public Health Wales which have highlighted Porthcawl as having one of the highest rates of new coronavirus cases in Wales.

The Leader, Cllr Huw David, said: “Based on what we have seen in other parts of the county borough, our understanding is that positive cases within isolated settings such as Parc Prison or the Princess of Wales Hospital can significantly affect an area’s overall statistics.

“In the case of Porthcawl, we believe that the positive results which have triggered this have occurred within various care home settings rather than out in the wider community, and that they remain relatively few in number.

“While Porthcawl has been divided into two halves for the purpose of collecting data, this division does not match the area’s electoral ward boundaries.

“In other words, any reference to cases occurring in the east of Porthcawl should not be interpreted as correlating exactly within the ward of Porthcawl East Central.

“We have also been asked if the increase could be linked to the siting of a mobile testing facility which was located within Porthcawl two weeks ago, but other than the convenience that it offered for local residents who required a test, it remains unrelated.”

Until further notice, a drive-through mobile testing facility remains available seven days a week between 9am-5pm in the Bowls Hall car park of Bridgend Life Centre.

To use this facility, you will need to book an appointment in advance by visiting the Welsh Government website.

Residents should only attend a mobile testing centre if showing symptoms of coronavirus such as a high temperature, a new persistent cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell.

Once the test has been completed, you must return home immediately to self-isolate until the results have been confirmed – please do not e.g. visit local shops.

While most people will receive their results via text message the day after taking a test, some results may take a little longer.

To find out more about the alternative ways in which you can obtain a Covid-19 test, visit the coronavirus page at the Welsh Government website or call 119.