Before Cardiff and the Vale this evening become officially surrounded by counties placed into local lockdown, Vale Council Leader Neil Moore has issued a "last chance" warning to residents.

The latest figures (issued on Tuesday 22 September) show the rate of infection in the Vale was at 22.5 per 100,000 of the population in the last seven days.

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader, Cllr Neil Moore said: "My message for residents of the Vale is a simple one.

"This is our last chance to prevent similar measures being imposed on our towns and villages.

"Slowing the spread of the virus is not difficult, but it requires us all to work together and follow the same basic guidelines.

"Wear a mask when indoors in public places.

"Always observe social distancing.

"Wash your hands regularly.

"If you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoors.

"Work from home if you can.

"Stay at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms.

"If you have symptoms get a test."

Cllr Moore added: "I know the vast majority of Vale residents want to do what is right.

"Earlier this year we all made great sacrifices to stop the spread of covid-19 and protect our families, friends, and the most vulnerable in our communities.

"We have made huge progress towards a return to life as we once knew it in the months since.

"We must not now undo all of this hard work.

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council will be doing everything it can to share this message as widely as possible.

"Our teams will also be working hard, as they have been since the outbreak of the pandemic, to make our public spaces as safe as possible and ensure those businesses with a responsibility to do the same are following the guidelines.

"I would like to thank all residents in advance for continuing to work with us.

"Together we can keep the Vale safe and our communities open."