Hywel Dda University Health Board has reassured people that multi-agency partners are working to protect the west Wales communities as Covid-19 cases are 'a concern' in the three counties.

The health board, Public Health Wales and Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire local authorities regularly monitor, review and agree actions needed to respond and manage the pandemic.

The vaccination programme is moving into the next phase, which see the launch of the booster vaccination (by invitation), following the JCVI priority groups as before.

In addition, GPs are due to go into care homes; 12-15 year olds are now being invited to mass vaccination centres (MVCs) by appointment; walk-in clinics are continuing for people aged over 16.

Furthermore, the mass vaccination van is out and about and will be located this weekend at Tesco, Ammanford where some of the highest cases are.

At the time of writing, 291,982 (75.4 per cent) people in Hywel Dda area have received both doses, while 271,824 (70.2 per cent) people have had their first.

Steps have also been taken to ensure those most critically ill in hospitals are cared for by postponing some operations temporarily and realigning the workforce.

Visiting in areas affected by Covid-19 have also been limited.

Furthermore, through the local county incident management teams (IMTs), local authorities are providing guidance and support to schools following the recent return of pupils.

Communicating regularly with the public across the region has been a key focus. Currently, this has involved engaging with minority ethnic groups within the community; and young people about how to keep safe and encourage vaccination.

Local public sector leaders have acknowledged the sacrifices people have made to keep communities safe and to appeal to the public for support during the coming days and weeks.

Maria Battle, chair of Hywel Dda UHB, said: “The future does bring a degree of uncertainty, such as the roll out of the flu vaccine alongside Covid-19 booster jabs. What is certain however is the commitment of the health board and our partners to be as prepared as possible. The health board’s comprehensive recovery plan outlines, first and foremost, how we recover from the pandemic: how we support our staff to recover after what has been an exhausting year and a half, and how we lay the foundations to recover our services and support our communities.”

Temporary chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Claire Parmenter, said: “With the uncertainties we face locally at the moment, we want everyone living, working and visiting this area to keep each other as safe as possible, so please remember the protective behaviours that will help ensure this for us all.

“We want it to be as easy as possible for people to get in touch when they need us. So save your time and report online – as you can now report non-emergency crimes and incidents online quickly and easily on our website at https://bit.ly/DPP101Online (or https://bit.ly/HDP101ArLein)

“This includes reports of domestic abuse, crimes, antisocial behaviour, road traffic incidents and collisions, and more. The online reporting isn’t replacing 101. But it’s important to promote the availability of our online services to those who would prefer to use this option, and it does mean we can answer calls from those who cannot contact us online quicker.

“We continue to work with our partners in a coordinated approach to serve in the best interests of our communities at this challenging time.”

David Simpson, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It has been easy to think we are through the worst of this pandemic, but the recent weeks have been a reminder how we must all continue to tackle this issue collectively. These past 18 months have been very tough and lockdown restrictions have changed our lives.

“In the past few weeks we have experienced a high volume of visitors to the county which can at times add additional pressures on our services.

“I cannot emphasise enough that this pandemic has not ended. Covid-19 has not gone away and we must all continue to work together and redouble our efforts, particularly as we head into autumn and winter.

“Please continue to socially distance where possible, wear face coverings where required, continue regular handwashing and choose outdoor activities or meet people outdoors over indoors.

“If you have Covid-19 symptoms, get tested. Don’t risk spreading this virus. These are simple actions that we can all take to help. They really do make a difference.

“Our front-line teams are working hard to support our communities and ensure we deliver key services. I would ask for your support to help us to keep Pembrokeshire open and welcoming to all.”