COVID cluster in Merthyr Tydfil

Residents in the Swansea Road area of Merthyr Tydfil are being asked to be extra vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 following a cluster of cases in the area.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Public Health Wales are working to identify potential contacts following the confirmation of 31 cases of Coronavirus in the area in recent weeks.

To help limit the spread of the virus, a new drive-through mobile testing unit has been set up at Merthyr Valley Homes, 22 Lansbury Road, Gellideg, which is open daily from 9am to 4.30pm.

Anyone living or working in the area with COVID-19 symptoms (a new cough, high temperature, loss of sense of smell / taste) should visit the centre as soon as possible to get tested. No booking is required.

Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health for CTM UHB, said: “Following this cluster of cases, we are asking residents of the Swansea Road area to be extra vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19 and to visit our new testing centre if they believe they might have developed the virus. By taking this action they can protect each other and help to reduce the spread of this cluster of cases.

“This latest cluster shows that, while rates have been on a downward trend, COVID-19 is sadly still circulating in our communities and is a stark reminder to us all of the importance of social distancing, wearing facemasks, washing our hands and following the lockdown rules. We understand and are grateful for the sacrifices made by our communities during the last few months of lockdown but it’s so important we continue to take preventative action and be cautious in our approach to do all we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Testing is also available across Merthyr Tydfil for people who are asymptomatic. Testing teams are moving around the area to ensure that we test as many people as possible and there is currently a walk-in centre at Gurnos Clinic. More information can be found here.