Evening Update - Friday 11th September 2020

Evening Update - Oakfield Primary School - 11th September 2020

The Welsh Government has today announced a series of new measures in response to an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases. From Monday 14th September, people in Wales must wear face masks in shops and other indoor public spaces. Indoor meetings of more than six from an extended household will be illegal, though the rule will not apply to children under 11. Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside.

Whilst the rate of increase in the number of new cases has stabilised after a recent increase, preparations are in place to respond quickly to any significant viral spread in the community. We are not yet at the stage where any new restrictions need to be introduced in Cardiff, but it is possible that local action may become necessary if infection rates continue to climb. This may result in a partial lockdown of parts of the city and this is something we all wish to avoid.

Within Cardiff, the majority of positive tests are currently being found among people aged under 40 and this is being driven by:

• people bringing the virus back with them from holiday abroad;
• people socialising more, but not following social distancing advice (e.g. house parties and indoor gatherings);
• the virus being transmitted in households;
• cases in workplaces as more people return to work.

This tells us that most people are being infected by people they already know – friends, family members and workmates, not random strangers.

Clearly, the easing of lockdown has played a part in rising cases. We are, however, more concerned about people forgetting or ignoring the advice and guidelines. If we are to avoid a Caerphilly-type situation in Cardiff, then it’s important that everyone understands the dangers and the risks. 

We are entering what may become a very significant couple of weeks and we must do our best to slow the spread of the virus and to try to halt community transmission within the city. Any changes to our opening and closing times/routines will need to take these updates into consideration to help us all stay safe.

Let’s do our best for our community and follow the guidelines. Please take care and look after each other.

The Oakfield Team