CORONAVIRUS cases and deaths continue to rise across Wales, latest figures show.

Data released by Public Health Ways on October 31 shows that 186 new cases were reported in the North Wales region.

These can be broken down to 62 in Wrexham, 55 in Flintshire, 25 in Conwy, 17 in Denbighshire, 14 in Gwynedd and 13 in Anglesey.

The total number of cases and rate per 100k can be broken down to:

Anglesey: 778 cases with a rate of 1,110.7 per 100k

Conwy: 1,468 cases with a rate of 1,252.5 per 100k

Denbighshire: 1,424 cases with a rate of 1,488.0 per 100k

Flintshire: 2,109 cases with a rate of 1,351.1 per 100k

Gwynedd: 1,164 cases with a rate of 934.5 per 100k

Wrexham: 2,816 cases with a rate of 2,071.2 per 100k.

Sadly, the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board reported a further two deaths bringing the total to 457, the second highest across Wales.

Nationally, a total of 1,301 new cases were recorded and a further 13 deaths bringing the total to 1,872.

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “With Halloween taking place today, we understand that people will still want to celebrate so Public Health Wales has published guidance on joining in the Halloween spirit safely, while staying at home to protect those we care about. Under the current firebreak restrictions, physically gathering for Halloween parties in either your home or other venues is not allowed. Leaving your home for anything other than for an essential reason is also prohibited and so taking part in traditional trick or treat activities breaches current guidelines.

“We urge the public to stick to the new rules, which are vital to help us regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“Although national and local measures have made a difference, further action is needed. Cases continue to rise in Wales, hospital admissions are increasing, including those into critical care, and sadly so are the numbers of people dying from the virus.

“Under the rules, people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes. They must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with.

“Certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close.

“Secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.

“Face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions, including on public transport and in taxis.

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

“During the firebreak 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 firebreak.

“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 www.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.

“For those travelling from overseas, as of 4am on Sunday 25 October, the Canary Islands, Denmark, the Maldives and the Greek Island of Mykonos have been added to the Welsh Government’s list of countries from where you may travel to Wales without the need to self isolate. The Welsh Government has announced that from 0400 on 1/11/2020, Cyprus and Lithuania will be removed from this list, so returning travellers will need to isolate on arrival in Wales.”