AS PART of the efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Gwynedd’s Multi-Agency Covid-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group has been working with the Education Department to ensure that robust and proportionate arrangements are in place in individual schools.

In the past few weeks, Gwynedd has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 numbers, with infection rates in the county being among the highest in Wales and across the UK.

This rise in cases has affected communities across the whole area, with specific recent spikes seen in the Caernarfon, Bala, Ffestiniog, Dolgellau and Pen Llŷn areas.

These rises have also affected some schools across the county.

Dafydd Williams, Chair of the Gwynedd COVID-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group, said: “The number of cases in Gwynedd are stable but remain a cause for concern, and we urge all residents to continue to play their part to keep our communities safe.

“We have seen cases of COVID-19 in schools across the county. When cases are identified within a school there are robust arrangements in place to control the chain of transmission.

“Extra protection measures are applied when 10 per cent of pupils in classes or school years have tested positive for COVID- 19, with virtual learning adopted when 25 per cent are tested positive.

“Of the 94 secondary and primary schools in Gwynedd, 10 of those currently have some classes or school years receiving their education virtually.

“This targeted approach has been endorsed by public health experts on the protection and surveillance group.

“It is helping us to control any clusters of cases and to keep pupils, and the rest of the Gwynedd population safe from the effects of COVID-19.”

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, Gwynedd residents are urged to:

• Take-up the offer of the vaccine – it’s never too late to get the jab.

• Attend a COVID-19 booster appointment – when eligible, you will be invited directly by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

• Be on the look-out for any COVID-19 symptoms - if you develop symptoms, self-isolate and arrange a test straight away by calling 119 or online; you can also arrange for a test to be sent to your home.

• Follow the advice of the Gwynedd Test, Trace and Protect team – if they contact you because you’re a close contact of a confirmed case, arrange a test to help stop the spread.

• Always wear a mask when you visit shops or any indoor public places.

• Limit contact with large groups of people as much as possible, and if you do decide to attend a gathering, consider taking a lateral flow test before and after you do so.

• If meeting people, remember that it’s far safer to do so outside.