PUBLIC health officials have released the latest figures for Wales as the country continues to see an increase of new cases daily.

Just under 200 new coronavirus cases have been reported to Public Health Wales in the last 24 hours, according to the latest figures, with data showing a rise in every corner of the country.

Of this number, 30 positive tests came from areas in the North Wales region covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

These figures are broken down to include ten in Flintshire, six in Gwynedd, four each from Conwy and Denbighshire, three on Anglesey and two in Wrexham.

Nationally, there have been a total of 19,880 cases since records began.

Over a week has passed since the last recorded coronavirus death in Wales - meaning the total number of lives sadly lost to the virus stands at 1,597 across the country.

Of this number, BCUHB - the largest health board in the country - accounts for 420.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We are now seeing a steady increase in cases in a number of communities across Wales, and our investigations show that many of these have been transmitted due to a lack of social distancing.

“Coronavirus has not gone away. It remains the responsibility of everyone to help prevent the spread of this virus to protect older and vulnerable family members and friends. They should do this by self-isolating when asked to do so, staying two metres away from others, and by washing hands regularly.

“Face coverings are now mandatory for everyone over age 11 in public places, and only six people from an extended household can meet now indoors in areas of Wales where local restrictions do not apply.

“Public Health Wales supports the restrictions which have been put in place in Caerphilly by the Welsh Government and Caerphilly Council. The full list of rules for this area can be found on the Welsh Government website.”