Message from the Chief Executive

Following the weekend’s development with the news of the new Coronavirus Omicron variant, I would like to update you with the latest measures from Welsh Government.

From Tuesday, November 30, all fully-vaccinated travellers arriving in Wales, will need to self-isolate on their return and take a PCR test before or on day two (except children aged 5 and under). Welsh Government are also considering whether they will also require a PCR test on day eight. Once they have received a negative test result they can leave isolation. If a positive test is received they continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the date the test was taken. You can find out more on this on the Welsh Government website

For those of you who are working from home, the message from Welsh Government is to continue to do this if possible. However, it is important that you all have the right working environment, the tools to do your job at home and the necessary wellbeing support. If not then please have this conversation with your manager who is there to support you.

In our schools, face coverings should now be worn indoors by all staff and pupils in secondary schools, where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Many of our schools may already be doing this as part of their risk assessment, but this has now become a national approach. This is a temporary, precautionary measure that will be in place for the remaining weeks of term at which point the position will be reviewed.

These new measures have been put in place to help keep us safe as we work and live alongside the pandemic, so we need to ensure we follow not only these new rules but also the ones that are already in place, such as washing our hands and sanitising regularly, wearing a face covering in all indoor public places and getting vaccinated, including having a booster vaccine when it’s your time. More information on getting the vaccine can be found on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website. Don’t forget you can take regular lateral flow tests when you do not have symptoms for your own peace of mind or if you have been asked to, but you will need to book a PCR test if you have any symptoms and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. More information on self-isolating and how to get tested can be found on the Welsh Government website.

You can find out more about how we’re supporting the Covid-19 vaccine programme by visiting the Coronavirus pages

I would just like to reiterate the Welsh Government advice to be cautious over the Christmas period, and to take extra care, especially if you have plans to mix with others.

Please continue to visit the Coronavirus pages for latest information and it’s also where you can put any questions you may have.

It’s vital that we continue to follow all the advice to protect our loved ones and our communities and keep Carmarthenshire safe.

I will be issuing a further update following the next Welsh Government review on December 10.