RESIDENTS in Denbighshire have been thanked for following coronavirus regulations during the current lockdown.

Cases of coronavirus in Denbighshire are still high due to the new and more transmissible variant, however numbers are starting to fall.

In the week ending January 17, there were 266 new cases in the county with the main setting for transmission being within households. The number of positive cases per 100,000 people was 362 between January 7-13.

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council cabinet member for planning, public protection and safer communities, urged residents to remain vigilant to help prevent a greater spread of the virus.

“Since the new year we have seen high levels of coronavirus cases across all ages in our communities but the impact of lockdown is starting to see these figures stabilise," he said. "This is due to a huge effort from our residents who are following guidance and continuing to do their part to keep the most vulnerable members of our communities safe.

"On behalf of the council I would like to thank residents for their efforts.

“However, with the new variant we are seeing an increase in household transmission and it is important we continue to follow the rules from Welsh Government during Alert level 4.

“This includes following social distancing rules, working from home if you can, to stay at home and not to travel without reasonable excuse.

“Those working with the vulnerable and in healthcare setting who have had the vaccine need to continue to wear PPE after their first dose.

“The vaccine offers us hope for the future but it is important those who have had the first dose continue to follow the rules as they can still catch and spread the virus without showing severe symptoms."