A request for support from local communities to avoid the need for a lockdown in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil

Due to an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and to prevent a future lockdown, Council Leaders in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf are asking all residents to take action now to avoid the need for a formal local lockdown in the near future.

The voluntary actions requested from residents, which are recommended with immediate effect, and include:

• Only using public transport for essential purposes, which includes travel to education, work, essential medical appointments, shopping and visiting supermarkets;
• Working from home for the next few weeks if you are able to do so. Actively seek the support of all employers to ensure that those that can work from home do so;
• Wearing three layer face coverings or masks, where it is safe to do so, whilst in work, in supermarkets and other indoor or crowded public spaces (recommended for age 12 and over);
• Do not visit care homes, unless it is an end of life visit where full PPE will be required.

Both Councils have made clear that schools will remain open and home to school transport will continue to operate in accordance with the latest Public Health Wales guidance.