THERE are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ceredigion but plans are in place  including the possibility of closing offices and schools, councillors have been told

Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn gave a statement at full council on Thursday (March 5) to update members on the current situation of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 in the county.

She said that there were no positive cases of COVID-19 – a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China – in Ceredigion and Public Health Wales was leading on dealing with the virus in Wales.

“We as a council accept and follow the guidance from them and they are in regular contact with the council, and other councils,” said Cllr ap Gwynn.

Public Health Wales and the Local Resilience Forum will plan any response and weekly meetings of the leadership group to consider any national or local developments will continue.

“I can assure you that our staff meet regularly to ensure that organisation arrangements are in place and if we need to respond we can do so,” added Cllr ap Gwynn.

“If we had to close Penmorfa or Canolfan Rheidol or any schools down, we will be looking after the most vulnerable in society,” she said.

Members, and the public, are encouraged to visit the Public Health Wales website for further details – phw.nhs.wales –  and anyone with concerns about flu-like symptoms should call NHS Direct on 111.

The main advice is to wash hands thoroughly and use tissues to catch coughs or sneezes before binning them. Specific guidance for returning travellers is also included.