Boardmasters music festival: 56 Swansea Bay Covid cases

Music lovers from Swansea and Neath Port Talbot who attended the recent 50,000-strong Boardmasters music festival in Cornwall are being urged to get tested for Covid-19 straight away if they feel ill.

At least 56 positive cases have been confirmed in the Swansea Bay area involving people who went to the event, which took place between 11th and 15th August.

As well as the classic signs of a new cough, high temperature and loss of taste and smell, symptoms can include sneezing, sore throat, headaches fatigue and any symptom which is unusual for the individual.

Get tested if you are planning to go to further festivals

Some music fans may also be planning to go to the upcoming Reading and Leeds festivals, and there is concern that some infected people could attend and pass the virus on further.

Sion Lingard, Public Health Wales health protection consultant in Swansea Bay, said:

“We are concerned that some people who attended the Boardmasters festival and are now feeling unwell may not realise they may be infected with Covid-19.

“It’s important they get tested, and if the result is positive, to self-isolate to protect others.

“We are also calling on people to be responsible and remember they must not go to any other event, including festivals, if they have tested positive for Covid-19 or have Covid-19 symptoms. The Delta variant is highly transmissible and even outdoor events like music festivals have tents and marquees which are often packed out.”

Festivals, sports events and other mass gatherings are restarting across the UK following restrictions being eased, but Public Health Wales is keen to reiterate that Covid has not gone away, and that it is important that attendees take precautions to avoid the transmission of the virus.

Case rates in Wales now over 200 per 100,000

Dr Eleri Davies, an Incident Director at Public Health Wales, said:

“As restrictions ease across the UK, and festivals and other mass gatherings start again, we’re aware that many people will want to attend and enjoy them after many months being unable to do so.

“As expected following the move to Alert Level 0, case rates in Wales have risen and are currently over 200 cases per 100,000.

“While the vaccination programme has reduced the levels of hospitalisation and fatalities, the virus is still circulating in our communities.

“There are several measures that people can take in order to reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus.

“Firstly, please take up your offer of a vaccination when you receive it, as this is the best way of preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and death.

“In addition, if you have symptoms of Covid then please get a PCR test and self-isolate until you get the results.

"You should not attend a festival or other mass gathering event if you have symptoms.”