Sixty-eight new coronavirus cases have been confirmed across the Hywel Dda Health Board by Public Health Wales today.

This is more than three times higher than yesterday, which saw only 17 new cases reported.

Once again, Carmarthenshire had the highest number of new daily cases, with 48, Pembrokeshire was second with 15 and Ceredigion had five.

To date, 3,408 coronavirus cases have been reported across the three counties - Pembrokeshire 670, Carmarthenshire 2,395 and Ceredigion 343.

Wales saw 928 new cases reported to PHW from 8,297 tests. The country has had 62,284 confirmed cases to date.

Forty-five coronavirus deaths were reported to PHW, bringing the total to 2,108.

Two deaths were recorded in Hywel Dda, for a total of 81 deaths to date.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "Public Health Wales strongly advises the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of Coronavirus. We understand that people will want to carry on with their Christmas shopping now the fire-break has ended and so we would suggest to try to visit shops during off-peak times, to always maintain social distancing and to wear a face covering if you can. Options such as 'click and collect' or online purchasing may also be something to consider.

"Although the fire-break period in Wales has ended, we would urge everyone to be aware that this that this does not mean a return to normality. Coronavirus has not gone away, it is still active in communities across Wales, and so we all need to take steps to keep everyone safe and to prevent the transmission of the disease.

"We ask the public to observe the new regulations and to limit their contact with other people as much as possible so that we all work together to bring the numbers of positive cases down.

"This means staying out of other people's homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to do so by contact tracers.

"Urgent action has been taken following reports from health authorities in Denmark that widespread outbreaks of Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been found in mink farms, with subsequent spread of a mink-variant virus to the local community.

"Denmark was removed from the UK Coronavirus travel corridor list on Friday, November 6. Any travellers returning to the UK will now be required to self-isolate for 14 days according to the national guidance and legislation gov.uk/uk-border-control/self-isolating-when-you-arrive.

"This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure and will prevent risk to Wales and the UK from this new strain. Public Health Wales will be in touch with Welsh residents who have been in Denmark in the past 14 days to explain that they and their households are required to self-isolate.

"We would also advise all members of the public with pet mink or ferrets to avoid contact with them while symptomatic with any Covid symptoms.

"We recognise that many people may be finding life more challenging, resulting in difficulties with mental health. There are many agencies which provide help and support, including the C.A.L.L. helpline on 0800 132 737, which will refer callers to the most appropriate organisation according to their needs.

"If you are in severe mental distress or are having suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans Cymru free on 116 123.

"More information about the new rules is available at the Welsh Government website.

"It is still important to look after your health, and you can you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues.

"Attending a booked NHS flu vaccination appointment and any of Public Health Wales' screening clinics is a legitimate reason to travel during the fire-break.

"NHS Wales is still here to help you if you need care, and it's important you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. You can leave your home to access local health services, including your GP surgery, dentist, optometrist or other health service.

"You should phone beforehand and follow any guidance your local surgery, dentist, optometrist or health service has put in place to protect you and staff, including the need to keep 2m away from other patients.

"It's especially important to look after our mental health and wellbeing at this time. You can find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help or are worried about a loved one.

"If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the Coronavirus, such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

"Helpful advice and support is available via the NHS Covid-19 app. As well as providing alerts if you have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, the app will also tell you the current risk level in your area.

"Information about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales website, or via the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker.