The latest figures show that the efforts of Gwynedd residents in adhering to the recent firebreak rules have helped to reduce Covid-19 cases in the county.

The public bodies leading and supporting the effort locally are urging the county’s residents to continue to follow the national Covid-19 rules so that the good work is not undone.

In particular, authorities have praised the efforts of the county’s schools, colleges and university as well as residential homes and local businesses for responding robustly and effectively to cases of the virus reported in Gwynedd.

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: “The data for Gwynedd is encouraging at the moment. Our thanks go to the county’s residents, organisations and businesses for playing their part over the last few weeks.

“In particular there has been extremely effective collaboration between the Council, health and care services and the local education sector in managing cases. We also want to praise Bangor University and Coleg Llandrillo-Menai students locally for their efforts in following the guidance and working hard to help contain the virus when cases appeared among the student population.

“But despite these efforts, it is more important than ever that we keep up the good work and not to start thinking that we can rest on our laurels.

“What happens next is in the hands of us all as individuals, organisations and businesses and we encourage residents to think about the actions they take. If we can keep to the national rules, there is a real hope that we can keep our communities safe and avoid a situation where our health service here in Gwynedd is overwhelmed. “

Professor Iwan Davies, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University commented: “Students are the lifeblood of our University community and their wellbeing is paramount. Through our collaboration with Gwynedd Council, and with the support of the Student Union, we’ve been able to share advice and guidance with our students who have been diligent in their efforts to keep themselves, their friends, families and networks as safe as possible.

“We have set up a Covid-19 test site on campus and are encouraging students to take two tests before travelling home from Bangor in early December. We all need to remain vigilant and hopefully this testing regime will help give peace of mind to students and the wider Gwynedd community.”

Aled Jones-Griffith, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor a Choleg Menai Principal added: “We recognise that this year has been a challenging time for our learners. 

“As an organisation, we have been pleased with the way in which they have adapted to new routines and adhered to government regulations, both in and outside of college, to keep everyone safe. 

“As this first term draws to a close, we would like to thank all of our learners for their efforts in reducing the transmission of the virus and to wish them a relaxing Christmas break.”

Things to remember

If you have Covid-19 symptoms, you should get a test immediately – details of how to arrange a test here: https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

If you are contacted by the Test, Trace and Protect team, follow the advice provided by contact tracing staff. This will help prevent the spread of infection and keep you and your loved ones safe.

Remember, if you are told by the Test, Trace and Protect Service to self-isolate, you may be entitled to financial support. Find out more here about the support available and who can claim help www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/SelfIsolationSupportPayment