A SMALL number of confirmed cases are present at three community hospitals in North Wales.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said there are currently between 70 and 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

There is also a 'small number' of confirmed cases present at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital, and Mold Community Hospital.

However, due to the risk of identifying patients, the health board will not be providing specific numbers for the three sites.

Miss Harris added: “As part of a proactive approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, we have instigated universal screening for all patients on wards where we may or have had a COVID-19 positive patient. This is in addition to screening every patient admitted to our hospitals. All patients who test positive are appropriately isolated and all infection prevention and control measures are in place.

“We continue to ask for the public’s help in managing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We want to limit the number of visitors to our hospital sites and as hospital visiting is still suspended, we are asking that you only have someone accompany you if necessary. If you are unable to attend an appointment please notify us as soon as possible.

“Please continue to follow the public health guidance around regular hand washing and following social distancing guidance to help prevent transmission of the virus.

“Two mobile testing centres will be set up in Wrexham tomorrow to help manage cases of COVID-19 in the community. They will be based at Caia Park Health Centre (Prince Charles Road) and Hightown Community Resource Centre (Fusilier Way). People will be able to get a test without booking by attending either site between 9am and 6pm for the next few days.

"We continue to ask patients, the public and staff who do visit the Maelor site to wear face coverings or masks in public areas in our hospitals.”

As of July 28, cases at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and community hospitals remain low at present, any changes will be included as an update.

The Leader previously reported that a 'greater transparency' was needed in the spike in cases.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board said the cases will 'fluctuate' on a daily and hourly basis and so accurate details other than what is provided by Public Health Wales cannot be shared.

They said: "Weekly numbers of cases with onset in hospital are provided by Health Board on the Public Health Wales COVID-19 surveillance dashboard.

"We are actively encouraging patients, the public and staff to wear face coverings or masks in public areas in our hospitals."

Concerns have been addressed about the Wrexham Maelor Hospital as infection control teams are drafted in to handle the rise in cases linked to the county.

In the last seven days, as of July 28, Wrexham returned a staggering total of 53 confirmed cases of the virus as part of the 179 cases across the country according to public health records.

Flintshire has confirmed the second highest figure that same week with 23 cases between July 21 and 28.