Cluster of coronavirus cases in Neath Valley linked to young people congregating in groups

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A cluster of coronavirus cases in the Neath Valley has been linked to young people gathering in groups.

Neath Port Talbot Council said a number of cases within the cluster have been linked to young people congregating in groups, both indoors and outdoors, particularly in the Resolven area.

It urged residents to stick to social distancing and self-isolation rules as well as book a test if they have symptoms.

The council said that while some restrictions have been eased recently as a result of a decline in coronavirus cases “the situation can change quickly in a local area from just a few cases to many people being affected”.

Under the current restrictions six people from two households are permitted to meet outdoors, while meeting indoors with people you don’t live with is not.

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A statement from Neath Port Talbot Council said: “In response to a cluster of Covid cases in the Neath Valley, residents are being urged to stick to important social distancing/self-isolation rules and advised to book a test immediately if they have any new, even mild, symptoms they may feel are unusual for them or their child.

“Whilst cases have dropped enough across Wales to allow restrictions to be eased, the situation can change quickly in a local area from just a few cases to many people being affected. So it is really important for us all to keep making the right choices – particularly in not meeting indoors with people you don’t live with.

“A number of cases within the Neath Valley cluster have been linked to young people congregating in groups, both indoors and outdoors, particularly within the Resolven area.

“Current Welsh Government rules mean six people from two households can meet outdoors and give us the chance to visit other parts of Wales. Organised children’s outdoor activities are also opening again.

“Changes like these give a real beacon of hope after what has been a tough winter of restrictions but we should not forget this is a virus that spreads very quickly given the right opportunities.”

Last week, a cluster of coronavirus cases in Swansea Bay was believed to be linked to a birthday party and other “illegal household gatherings” in the Briton Ferry area.

This comes as at least 50 new positive cases out of 185 reported across Swansea last week have been linked to people who attended indoor gatherings in the Clase area of the city.

As well as partying indoors some people have been regularly popping in and out of each other’s homes – driving infection rates up.

The Clase gatherings have now resulted in coronavirus spreading across a wider area of the city. Two large clusters of Covid cases have been identified along with three small family clusters while four schools have been affected. Investigations are continuing and more cases may be found, authorities have said.

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