A PATIENT at Wrexham Maelor Hospital has died after contracting coronavirus.

Dr Frank Atherton, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, confirmed that a 68-year-old patient has died - the first fatality as a result of the virus in Wales

Dr Atherton said: “It is with regret that today I am confirming a patient in Wales has sadly died after contracting COVID-19.

"I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their request for privacy is respected.

“The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was 68 years old and was being treated at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.”

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Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The Chief Medical Officer has today confirmed the death of a Welsh resident who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Public Health Wales offer our sincere condolences to family and friends affected by this loss.

“We can confirm that this is the first death in Wales from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. The individual, who was in their sixties and had underlying health conditions, sadly passed away at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

“No further details regarding this individual will be released, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "I'm deeply saddened a person in Wales who had coronavirus has died. My heartfelt condolences are with their family and friends.

"We continue to work hard to respond to this fast changing situation, as the impact of the virus continues to increase in the days and weeks ahead."

Betsi Cadwalader Health Board tweeted: "Following the news announced earlier today, we would like to offer our condolences to the family of a patient who sadly passed away at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

"The patient had underlying health conditions, and had tested positive for COVID-19."