Following a rise in COVID-19 cases in South East Wales, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have joint forces to develop an updated COVID-19 strategy.

Published today, 'The Cardiff and Vale Prevention and Response Plan' identifies how the region will stifle the spread of the disease as we enter autumn.

It sets how sets out how any rise in local cases and clusters will be identified, the nature of the local response, and how decisions will be agreed and action taken in the event of an outbreak.

Twenty-one separate measures are being monitored by the Cardiff and Vale Test, Trace, Protect service in a bid to identify early warning signs of a spike in cases.

If concerning trends or patterns are identified through this mechanism a panel of experts is on standby to be convened, review the data and recommend measures that may help slow the spread.

"The plan has been published as new figures have shown cases are continuing to rise in the region," a statement from the Vale of Glamorgan Council reads.

Cases have indeed risen sharply in the region with 62 new cases arising in the health board region last week. It is important to note, however, that 55 of these come from Cardiff. Case rates in the Vale have not experienced a sharp rise.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, said: "We have always known that as restrictions ease across Wales and more establishments begin to re-open, the risk of community transmission will increase.

"The most densely populated regions remain the highest risk, and this certainly applies to the capital city and neighbouring Vale of Glamorgan. It is for this reason that the three partners have been working so closely to prepare a comprehensive plan for prevention and response.

"Licensed premises make a significant contribution to the economy of both Cardiff and the Vale but bars and pubs in particular could be a cause for concern if customers are not following the guidelines on household groups and social distancing."

Len Richards, CEO of the University Health Board, said: "As things stand, no patient is currently receiving critical care for Covid-19 related illness in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and August saw the first day since 15th March that all of the region's care homes have been free of confirmed Covid-19 cases.

"We cannot, however, be complacent about the risk posed by the virus. It is vitally important that people continue to practice social distancing, regular handwashing, and when keeping apart isn't possible wear a mask. There is always a risk of transmission in busy care settings and so we are constantly reviewing the measures in place to ensure they are as effective as possible."