Welsh Government have today announced that the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) is to be subject to a tightening of Coronavirus laws similar to that seen in neighbouring Caerphilly. The move has been announced by Health Minister Vaughan Gething in bid to tackle the sharp increase in the number of Covid19 cases recorded over recent days.
The situation in colleges
The restrictions for RCT will formally begin at 6.00 pm on 17 September however, further education colleges will remain open and fully operational so as to limit the disruption to student learning as much as possible during this difficult time. Travel into and out of the county, both for learners and college staff is deemed as essential travel and is permitted.
The rise in infection rates in the wider community is likely to be impacting on the number of cases of Covid19 seen in colleges. We are aware that rises in the infection in the general population is linked to factors such as groups meeting in homes and infection transmission as a result of holidays and travel.
CollegesWales Chief Executive Iestyn Davies said,
“Parents, wider family members and friends can all do their bit to ensure that schools and colleges remain open by following the clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene. Our aim is to ensure that learning continues in as safe a way as possible, particularly for young people who have seen their education already disrupted and their plans put on hold. We need everyone’s help to do that.”
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available. We are also working closely with Welsh Government colleagues so as to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our learners and staff, which remains our priority.
Further Information
Learners, parents and staff who are affected by the tightening of Coronavirus laws both in Caerphilly and RCT are encouraged to follow their respective college websites and social media accounts for the latest updates and further guidance.
Coleg y Cymoedd | @ColegyCymoedd
The College Merthyr Tydfil | @CollegeMerthyr
Coleg Gwent | @ColegGwent
Cardiff and Vale College | @CAVC
Bridgend College | @BridgendCollege
St. David's Catholic Sixth Form College | @StDavidsColl
Welsh Government Press Release:
Local restrictions imposed to control Rhondda Cynon Taf outbreak
16 September 2020
