MORE than 152 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in North Wales by Public Health Wales (PHW) today.

There have now been 8,380 lab-confirmed cases of the virus from the combined counties that make up the North Wales region since the outbreak of the pandemic - after more incidents were confirmed in the latest figures released today.

The latest Public Health Wales date records that the 152 of today’s 1,134 newly confirmed Welsh cases were from the northern region

Breakdown:

• Anglesey – 20 (28.6 per 100,000 population as of today)

• Conwy – 13 (11.1 per 100,000 population as of today)

• Denbighshire – 23 (24 per 100,000 population as of today)

• Flintshire – 48 (30.7 per 100,000 population as of today)

• Gwynedd – 14 (11.2 per 100,000 population as of today)

• Wrexham – 34 (25 per 100,000 population as of today)

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – the largest health board in Wales – has reported no new deaths today according to PHW data, recording 436 people that have sadly died.

BCUHB stats:

• Confirmed cases as of October 21 – 8,380

• New cases from October 21 – 152

The national picture:

Across Wales, another 1,134 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Wednesday’s figures, meaning that 39,491 people are now known to have contracted the virus since the pandemic began.

There were seven newly reported deaths, meaning the number of people to have died with confirmed cases of coronavirus stands at 1,743 in Wales.

Welsh Government recently announced on Monday that a two-week fire-break lockdown would be coming into force across Wales on Friday, October 23, to combat the spread of the virus further and prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.

Public Health Wales' daily statement:

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “NHS Wales is still here to help you if you need care, and it’s important you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. You can leave your home to access local health services, including your GP surgery, dentist, optometrist or other health service. You should phone beforehand and follow any guidance your local surgery, dentist, optometrist or health service has put in place to protect you and staff, including the need to keep 2m away from other patients.

“Public Health Wales supports the fire-break restrictions which are intended to disrupt the transmission of Coronavirus in Wales. These restrictions will come into effect at 6pm tomorrow, Friday 23 October, and will last until the start of Monday 9 November.

“Cases continue to rise in Wales, hospital admissions are increasing, including those into critical care, and sadly so are the numbers of people dying from the virus.

“Although national and local measures have made a difference, further action is now needed. These new rules are vital to regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“Under the rules, people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes. They must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with.

“Certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close.

“Secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.

“Face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions, including on public transport and in taxis.

“More information about the new rules is available at the Welsh Government website.

“It’s especially important to look after our mental health and wellbeing at this time. You can find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help or are worried about a loved one.

“If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the Coronavirus, such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

“Helpful advice and support is available via the NHS COVID-19 app. As well as providing alerts if you have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, the app will also tell you the current risk level in your area.

“Information about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales website, or via the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker.”