MORE than 50 new cases of covid-19 have been reported across North Wales, health chiefs have said.

Public Health Wales announced on Sunday that 152 new cases of the virus have been announced across Wales, in addition to a further 18 deaths.

Of the new cases, 56 were reported in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area.

There were:

  • 14 in Gwynedd
  • 11 in Conwy
  • 10 in Wrexham
  • 9 in Flintshire
  • 6 in Denbighshire
  • 6 on Anglesey

Public Health Wales also confirmed the total number of suspected covid-19 deaths in lab confirmed cases in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area now stands at 901.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The weekly incidence of COVID-19 infections is now below 50 cases per 100,000 population in more than half of the local authorities in Wales, with the overall rate at 46.4 cases per 100,000.

“This does vary between local authority areas and therefore we remind the public that Level 4 restrictions are still in place.

"This weekend you should stay at home, work from home if you can, wear a face covering where required, wash your hands regularly and stay two metres from anyone you do not live with.

“We remind everyone that four people from two different households are now able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise.

"However, please remember this is solely for the purpose of exercise and that individuals should remain at a social distance, and that this guidance doesn’t apply to private gardens.

“The Welsh Government also announced an expansion of workplace and community testing, with workplaces with more than 50 employees now eligible for support to regularly test their workforce, helping to reduce the spread of the virus and allowing them to operate safely.

“As primary school children aged three to seven years in foundation phase returned to face-to-face learning, we thank parents for their perseverence during the winter.

“We need your continued support to control the spread of Coronavirus, so please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus. Please continue to work from home if at all possible.

“When you take your child to school, always keep your distance from other parents, wear a face covering, and don’t stay around and chat. Please don’t invite other children or their parents to your home to play or stay, even outdoors, and even if they are in the same bubble at school.

“Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands regularly.

“More than 995,000 people have now received a first dose of the safe and effective Coronavirus vaccine.

"We encourage everyone, whatever their background, social demographic and ethnicity, to have the vaccine when they are offered it.

"We also stress the importance of seeking information from a trusted source such as Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government, your local health board or GP.

“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 visiting www.gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.”