The Numbers that Matter...: Lower numbers... optimism raised...but continue to follow the rules...

A further 29 people have died in Wales with coronavirus; reports Public Health Wales. It takes the total number of deaths with Covid reported since the start of the pandemic in Wales to 4,695. There were also 546 new Covid infections reported, taking the total number of cases to 190,940.

The reported deaths, 10 were in Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board Area which covers Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil, 8 were in the Hywel Dda area of West Wales. There were 5 in both the Cardiff and Vale and Aneurin Bevan Health Board areas, and 1 in Betsi Cadwaladr in North Wales.

Figures showed 362,253 people have now received their first coronavirus vaccine dose and 717 have received both doses.

Below are the infection rates and new case figures for every part of Carmarthenshire

for the seven days up to January 24 (area: infection rate / new cases):

Llanelli Bigyn: 682.8 / 46
Bynea and Llwynhendy: 287.6 / 26
Dafen and Felinfoel: 286.3 / 16
Llannon, Cross Hands and Penygroes: 249.5 / 21
Glyn and Pontyberem: 247.9 / 24
Llanelli North: 238.1 / 13
Trelech, Cenarth and Llangeler: 235.8 / 18
Llanelli West: 203.3 / 15
Carmarthen South and Llangunnor: 201.6 / 13
Swiss Valley and Llangennech: 196.0 / 15
Pembrey and Burry Port: 192.5 / 16
Llanelli South: 177.4 / 19
Ammanford and Betws: 176.7 / 14
Kidwelly and Trimsaran: 161.9 / 10
Carmarthen North: 155.4 / 8
Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn and Ferryside: 144.8 / 12
Carmarthen West and Cynwyl Elfed: 139.2 / 12
Abergwili, Llanegwad and Carmel: 135.2 / 9
Llandybie and Saron: 116.9 / 10
Brynaman, Garnant and Glanaman: 108.6 / 8
Whitland, Laugharne and Llansteffan: 104.1 / 13
Yr Hendy and Tycroes: 99.1 / 6
Llandeilo, Llangadog and Manordeilo: 97.2 / 7
Llanfihangel ar Arth and Llanybydder: fewer than 36 cases / 0-2
Llandovery, Cilycwm and Cynwyl Gaeo: fewer than 36 cases / 0-2

Today the First Minister warned that the country would remain in lockdown for another 3 weeks until 19th February, but rules around exercising with people from other households will be relaxed from Saturday. Under the new rules, people in Wales will now be allowed to exercise with one other person from one other household, provided they live locally.

The First Minister announced today that primary school pupils may be able to begin returning to school after the half term break if coronavirus rates continue to fall, he will look to reopen schools in February, with the youngest pupils being prioritised if case numbers continue to fall.

Thought for the day...