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COVID: 54 deaths and warnings about the strain in North Wales


January 14, 2021 - 780 views

54 deaths and 1,664 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in Wales in the past day according to Thursday's update from Public Health Wales.

112,973 individuals have now received a first dose of the vaccine. 

Sadly the number of fatalities are currently at 4,117 and there are warnings that this could increase significantly in the next few weeks due to the number of seriously ill people in hospital.

There have also been repeated warnings to stay at home particularly as the new strain of the virus is spreading across North Wales. This second strain is said to be more contagious and this means the risk of catching it, is therefore higher.

In North Wales there have been 499 new cases. 202 in Wrexham, 147 in Flintshire, 60 in Denbighshire, 38 in Conwy, 27 in Gwynedd and 25 on Anglesey.

Dr Eleri Davies, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“The number of positive Coronavirus cases remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern, due to the impact on NHS Wales services.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown. We ask that the public adopts the same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020. We understand that people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of coronavirus is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and not to meet other people.

“This means stay at home. If exercising outdoors, please do this alone or with members of your household or support bubble only. Shop online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to chat with people outside your household.

"If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face mask when required according to the regulations.

“Public Health Wales urges everyone to follow the rules, to avoid transmission of Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.

“Public Health Wales is working with UK partners to investigate and respond to the new variant of coronavirus identified in Wales. The new variant is easier to spread and the public should remain highly vigilant in measures to prevent transmission including maintaining social distancing, regularly handwashing and wearing of face coverings. Though the new variant is more infectious, there is no evidence that it leads to more severe disease.

“Members of the public should not phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when they will get a vaccine. When someone is in one of the groups eligible for the vaccine, they will be invited to attend a dedicated clinic which will have been set up to ensure patient safety and that of the healthcare professionals.

“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by clicking here.

“If you are due to travel out of the UK, please be aware of the changing situation and keep an eye on the FCO website for up to date details."