Arriva buses have suspended the service to Holyhead after a surge in coronavirus cases in the town.

 

All Arriva services between Bangor and Holyhead will be curtailed to run between Bangor and Gwalchmai Uchaf only. This also includes services provided specifically for college students. The change takes place immediately and will be until further notice.

Over 100 new Coronavirus cases have been recorded in Holyhead from March 1st – March 17th. This resulted in more than 450 people being forced to self-isolate.

The latest data reports that Holyhead has a Coronavirus incidence rate of 503.9 per 100,000 people. In comparison, Wales’ national incidence rate is 43.3 per 100,000 people. The number of individuals testing positive for Coronavirus on Anglesey has also increased to 11.9%. This is the highest percentage of positive tests throughout Wales (the national average is 3.9%).

Given the high incidence rate of Coronavirus, Anglesey council have urged local residents not to travel this weekend unless it is essential. The council are also urging Anglesey residents not to visit Holy Island or Holyhead this weekend – again unless their journey is essential.

A Walk-in and drive-through testing centre in Holyhead (located at Stanley Crescent Car Park, Victoria Road) has been setup and is now open from 8:00am until 8:00pm.

The multi-agency team working to protect residents is currently looking at ways to curb the spread – which could include closing schools in the area once again as well as a local lockdown.

Residents are being urged to:

  • self-isolate immediately if they, or anyone in their home, is showing any coronavirus symptoms and go for test as soon as possible. Testing unit is currently located at Stanley Crescent car park, Holyhead
  • share all relevant information with TTP tracers and advisors if you have tested positive – the places you have visited and your contacts. Keeping information from them could endanger the health of your friends, family and the wider community
  • follow current Welsh Government guidance, namely: Do not enter other people’s homes; work from home if possible; limit the number of people you meet socially and shop alone if you can

Prevention and Surveillance Group Chair and Anglesey Council Deputy Chief Executive, Dylan Williams, said, “The situation in Holyhead and recent increase in cases is extremely concerning. We must all play our part now by following the all-important guidance – sticking to social distancing, wearing a mask when we need to and not mixing with family and friends. We understand that these measures are tough on everyone it is the only way we can return to some sort of normality.”

“We continue to work with our partners and will be presenting our latest update to the Welsh Government shortly. The current situation in Holyhead will figure very prominently in any future talks over the coming days.”

“GP practices are also starting to contact people about second vaccine doses and it is very important that people attend their appointments to ensure the vaccinations have maximum effect”.

Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, added, “We are fast approaching the first anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown. Whilst these lockdowns have been essential to protect public health – they have also taken their toll on everyone. The last 12 months have been incredibly tough and challenging for us all, but we cannot let all this hard work go to waste. We must remain as vigilant as possible and keep following the national guidance to protect ourselves, families, friends and communities.

“Holyhead’s mobile coronavirus testing centre is currently located at the Stanley Crescent car park. Residents showing any symptoms should start self-isolating along with all their household members and arrange a test as soon as possible. If you do go for a test, it is vital that everyone in your household remains in self-isolation until you get your result.”

Residents should book a test before visiting the testing centre by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test