News

COVID-19 tests being encouraged for wider range of symptoms

Published

4 years ago

February 25, 2021

PEOPLE living in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to have a free COVID-19 test if they have a wider range of symptoms.

Previously, only those with either a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss/change of taste and smell, were advised to seek a test. The health board is now also encouraging people to have a test if they have any of the following symptoms:

Flu-like symptoms, including myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing
Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known COVID-19 case
Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test

The change aims to find hidden COVID-19 cases in our communities and drive down the numbers of onward transmissions.

Identifying infections, which could otherwise go undetected, is particularly important as new variants of the virus emerge. The more tests carried out, the easier it will be to spot early clusters of cases and possible virus mutations. This will help with easing restrictions in the future.

The new testing regime will initially run for at least 28 days and will then be reviewed. Swansea Bay University Health Board is also expanding its offer of testing in this way.

Alison Shakeshaft, Director of Therapies and Health Science at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Overall, we are seeing a positive picture across the three counties and there has been a steady fall in the number of COVID-19 cases.

“Also, the demand for tests has come down considerably since the end of 2020, so we have capacity to expand the offer of testing to those with a wider range of symptoms.

“We know the wider group of symptoms do occur in COVID-19 but are not reported as often as the ‘classic three’ symptoms. With the very low rates of flu circulating at the moment, it is more likely that wider flu-like symptoms are due to COVID-19.

“Our aim is to find as many COVID-19 cases as possible so we can prevent the virus being passed on to others. We want to do everything we can to help bring the pandemic to a close as fast as possible and help restrictions to be lifted.”

If you have any of the symptoms outlined above, please stay at home and get a test by booking online via the UK portal https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or ringing 119.

As these are national contacts, you may automatically be asked about the ‘classic three’ symptoms. However, to book your test simply choose either one of these options: “You have been asked to take a test by your local council” or “You are part of a government pilot project”.

Once you have had your test, you must continue to self-isolate until you receive your result, which will usually be within 24 hours of the test. If your result is positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. You will also be contacted by the local Tracing Team.

If your result is negative, you can end your self-isolation, when you feel well enough to do so.

Charity

Seven-year-old completes Mayday Mile to support RNLI

Published

2 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Leo Candler walks and cycles 61 miles in one month for lifesaving charity

A DETERMINED seven-year-old from Pembrokeshire has raised hundreds of pounds for the RNLI after walking or cycling more than a mile every day throughout May.

Leo Candler took part in the RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge, clocking up a total of 61 miles during the month. His efforts have already more than doubled his original fundraising target of £125, with donations currently standing at £286 — and still rising.

Inspired by his father’s role

Leo’s passion for the lifesaving charity is deeply rooted in family. His father, Scott, is both a Lifeguard Assessor Trainer and a volunteer crew member on the St Davids Lifeboat.

“Leo’s always been the RNLI’s number one fan,” said his mother, Simona Candler. “He’s grown up with the yellow wellies, supporting his dad on the beach, watching lifeboat launches, and visiting the RNLI College. He absolutely loves it.”

Some of Leo’s walks and rides took him to and from local lifeboat stations, and included visits to RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands Beach. He was often joined by his younger brother Zane, aged three, who is already following in his footsteps.

A mission that matters

“Even though Leo is only seven, he understands how important the RNLI’s work is — not just in the UK but around the world,” said Simona. “He knows his dad went to Bangladesh to help set up their lifeguard service, and he’s proud of that.”

She added: “It was amazing to see a boy his age so determined to get his miles in each day. We’re incredibly proud of both our boys.”

Leo’s fundraising campaign continues until the end of June. Donations can be made online by searching “RNLI – Leo Candler”.

Brave little fundraiser: Leo aboard St Davids Tamar Class Lifeboat (Pic: Herald)

Community

Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Published

24 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.

The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.

Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive

On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon

Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access

Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information

In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.

Public transport disruptions

Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Friday 27th June

All services will operate as normal.

Saturday 28th June

351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am

Sunday 29th June

387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.

Business

Mind the gap: Welsh employers and Gen Z out of sync on skills

Published

4 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New report reveals Wales has the UK’s highest skills shortage – but young people are ready to step up

A MAJOR new report by The Open University has revealed a growing disconnect between Welsh employers and the next generation of workers, potentially undermining efforts to tackle the country’s persistent skills shortages.

The Business Barometer 2025: Skills for today and tomorrow surveyed over 2,000 business leaders and 1,000 Gen Z adults across the UK — including 139 employers and 80 young people under 25 in Wales. It found that 58% of Welsh organisations are currently experiencing a skills shortage — the highest of all UK nations.

Yet despite this, only 31% of those employers have specific initiatives in place to recruit, retain or train under-25s.

Gen Z ready to respond — but need support

Encouragingly, over half (54%) of young people surveyed in Wales are aware of the national skills gap and are actively considering it in their career planning:

73% are choosing careers based on areas of high demand
66% say they would stay longer with employers who offer training and development

However, the report suggests that this willingness is not being met with sufficient guidance or opportunity — especially in fast-growing areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital, and green skills.

While 58% of Welsh Gen Z respondents say they are interested or already working in AI, one in five Welsh employers report lacking confidence in their ability to deliver AI strategies due to talent shortages.

Call for action on training and inclusion

Dr Scott McKenzie, Assistant Director for Learning, Skills and Innovation at The Open University in Wales, said: “The data is clear: there’s a mismatch between employer intentions and practical action. But there’s also a real opportunity. Welsh organisations can bridge the gap by developing structured skills plans, investing in flexible learning, and opening pathways to a more diverse talent pool. Those who act now will be the ones best placed to thrive in the future.”

Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, Chancellor of The Open University, added: “Young people are motivated, digitally savvy and want to contribute. Employers must meet that energy with training pathways and real opportunities. Waiting for skills to arrive is no longer enough — smart organisations will build them proactively.”

Diversity still lagging behind

While 80% of Welsh employers say equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) is important to their organisation, 25% admit to having no initiatives in place for underrepresented groups such as returners, career changers, or people with disabilities and neurodivergences.

This is seen as a missed opportunity to reduce economic inactivity and broaden the talent pipeline — especially in sectors where workforce shortages are most acute.

Skills shortage set to worsen

The Business Barometer, now in its ninth year, shows the issue is far from easing. In Wales:

38% of employers expect the skills gap to worsen over the next five years
60% say shortages are increasing workloads on existing staff
43% report reduced productivity
37% have scaled back growth plans
20% fear they won’t be able to meet their AI ambitions by 2030

Yet, despite these pressures, only 36% of Welsh employers have a formal skills plan in place. And while training is proven to aid staff retention, 30% say they hesitate to invest in staff development for fear employees will leave.

Full report and recommendations available at: https://business.open.ac.uk/business-barometer