Coronavirus infection rates double in Conwy – but council leader calls for ‘balanced view’ on extending local lockdown restrictions

A council leader has revealed Covid infection rates in his county have almost doubled in a week and called on Mark Drakeford to take a “balanced view” on extending restrictions.

Conwy county council leader, Cllr Sam Rowlands, made the call while addressing cabinet colleagues on Tuesday.

He said the number of positive coronavirus tests in the rolling seven day period had reached 122.9 per 100,000 of the population.

That was a rise of 92% on the previous week’s figure of 64 per 100,000.

If cases continue to increase at the same rate unchecked almost 2% of Conwy’s population would contract the virus within the next four weeks, overwhelming local services and Test, Trace and Protect.

Conwy was plunged into a local lockdown on October 1 and Cllr Rowlands called on First Minister Mark Drakeford to consider Conwy’s tourism industry when the restriction was reviewed with ministers later this week.

Cllr Rowlands said: “The number has almost doubled and since we last met there have clearly been some new restrictions in Conwy.

“Clearly these restrictions are down to the number of cases and I’m sure we all support restrictions that keep the virus down to as low a level as possible.

“This week the First Minister and his ministerial team will be reviewing the restrictions.

“They will be making an announcement towards the end of the week as to what they will look like for Conwy.

He added: “We hope political leaders listen to our voices and take a balanced view with regard to restrictions.”

Cllr Rowlands said the council was working alongside Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and Welsh Government on the restrictions.

“I have made a strong case for supporting the tourism and hospitality sector at this time,” he said.

“I wrote to the First Minister last week to raise concerns and request that travel restrictions should be reviewed.

“It is well known I have considerable concerns for that sector and the knock-on effect of our residents.”

He also outlined how more than 12,000 worked in the tourism and hospitality sectors and allied industries in the county.

He said business brought in by the sector adds about £1bn to the local economy.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter