Coronavirus Update: Neath Valley
PRESS RELEASE NPT
31 March 2021
In response to the Covid cluster of cases in the Neath Valley, residents are encouraged to adhere to important social distance / self-isolation rules and are advised to arrange an immediate test if they experience any symptoms new, even if not serious, which seems unusual to them or their child.
Coronavirus
Although the number of cases across Wales has reduced sufficiently to allow the restrictions to be relaxed, the situation can change rapidly in a local area, from a few cases to many people. It is therefore important that we all continue to make the right choices – especially by not meeting indoors with people who do not live in the same household.
A number of cases in the Neath Valley cluster have been linked to young people congregating in groups, indoors and outdoors, particularly in the Resolven area.
Current Welsh Government rules mean that 6 people from 2 households can meet outdoors, and they give us the opportunity to visit other parts of Wales. Outdoor activities organized for children are also opening again.
We can have real hope of changes like these after a harsh winter of constraints, but let’s not forget that this virus spreads very quickly if given the right opportunities.
This is especially true of the latest variants, and symptoms other than the three ‘classics’ are more frequently reported. As such, Swansea Bay University Health Board is now testing for a wider range of flu-like symptoms, which may include any or all of the following:
- myalgia (aching or aching muscles)
- extreme fatigue
- persistent headache
- running or full nose (unless symptomatic of hay fever known to the individual)
- sneezing continuously
- sore throat and / or crippled voice, shortness of breath or wheezing in the chest
Tests are also available for anyone who feels generally unwell who has been in contact with a known case of COVID-19; anyone who has new or different symptoms after a previous negative test; or anyone who has one or more of the three ‘classic’ coronavirus symptoms:
- fever
- persistent new cough
- or loss / change in the ability to taste and smell
People who had any of the classic or new symptoms and wanted a test should call 119 or order online: https://llyw.cymru/cael-pilot-coronafeirus-covid-19
As these are national contacts, you may be asked automatically for the three classic symptoms. However, choose either option: “your local council asked you to take a test” or “you are part of a government pilot project” to order your test.
You can also call 01639 862757 and speak to an operator who will order your test
A number of cases in the Neath Valley cluster have been linked to young people congregating in groups, indoors and outdoors, particularly in the Resolven area.
Current Welsh Government rules mean that 6 people from 2 households can meet outdoors, and they give us the opportunity to visit other parts of Wales. Outdoor activities organized for children are also opening again.
We can have real hope of changes like these after a harsh winter of constraints, but let’s not forget that this virus spreads very quickly if given the right opportunities.
This is especially true of the latest variants, and symptoms other than the three ‘classics’ are more frequently reported. As such, Swansea Bay University Health Board is now testing for a wider range of flu-like symptoms, which may include any or all of the following:
- myalgia (aching or aching muscles)
- extreme fatigue
- persistent headache
- running or full nose (unless symptomatic of hay fever known to the individual)
- sneezing continuously
- sore throat and / or crippled voice, shortness of breath or wheezing in the chest
Tests are also available for anyone who feels generally unwell who has been in contact with a known case of COVID-19; anyone who has new or different symptoms after a previous negative test; or anyone who has one or more of the three ‘classic’ coronavirus symptoms:
- fever
- persistent new cough
- or loss / change in the ability to taste and smell
People who had any of the classic or new symptoms and wanted a test should call 119 or order online: https://llyw.cymru/cael-pilot-coronafeirus
As these are national contacts, you may be asked automatically for the three classic symptoms. However, choose either option: “your local council asked you to take a test” or “you are part of a government pilot project” to order your test.
You can also call 01639 862757 and speak to an operator who will order your test.
Press Release NPT