'Act as if you and everyone you meet has covid' message as Wrexham has highest rates in Wales

That is the advice from Wrexham Council as the county still has the highest levels of coronavirus in Wales.

Wrexham remains worst in Wales for the rate per 100,000 population (867.9 on January 15) and positivity (28.8%), but this is similar to that reported on Monday (851.7 and 29.3%) and slightly better than a few days ago.

'Act as if you and everyone you meet has covid' message as Wrexham has highest rates in Wales - but the vaccine is on the way

Image: WCBC

In his twice-weekly update to Wrexham's councillors and communities, Chief Officer Planning and Regulatory Lawrence Isted said: "We can only hope that the virus has peaked and redouble our efforts to ensure that it does not rise again. There have never been more tests undertaken in North Wales than in the week ending 10th January.

"The key driver for the spread of the virus is the ‘UK’ variant, which now accounts for 75-80% of new cases in North Wales, and, most likely, will soon account for 100%. The rate of infection is currently doubling every 5.4 days.

"There are not, as yet, any known cases of the ‘South Africa’ variant in Wales or the new, much more worrying, ‘Brazil’ variant in the UK, though the BBC is reported a possible case of the latter. The risks from these will diminish with international travel restrictions in place (including from Portugal, given its close connections with Brazil). Welsh Government has, today, announced mandatory Covid-19 testing for international travellers arriving in Wales from Monday."

Hospital admissions for coronavirus in North Wales were 147 for the week ending January 10, meaning they have now exceeded the weekly peak of last year of 91 in May.

Mr Isted added that this was "placing even greater strain on an over-stretched NHS in general and local hospitals in particular".

"Sadly, deaths are rising too."

12 of Wrexham's sub areas now have covid rates of more than 700 per 100,000 people. None of the areas in Wrexham have a rate of less than 400 per 100,000.

Wrexham Council weekly covid update

Image: WCBC

The 12 coronavirus hotspots in Wrexham:

• Hermitage & Whitegate has 1,337/100k - up from 1,268 on the 11th
• Gwersyllt West & Summerhill has 1,249 - down from 1,924 on the 11th
• Town North, University & Rhosddu has 1,137 - up from 799 on the 11th
• Rhos and Johnstown South has 1,110 - up from 626 on the 11th – this is almost double in 4 days
• Caia Park has 1087 - up from 896 on the 11th
• New Broughton & Bryn Cefn has 1,044 - down from 1134 on the11th
• Llay South & Gwersyllt East has 947 - down from 1022 on the 11th
• Wrexham West has 912 - down from 948 on the 11th
• Coedpoeth & Brymbo has 855 - down from 1008 on the 11th
• Pen-y-cae & Minera has 820 - up from 861 on the 11th
• Acton & Maes-y-dre has 791 - up from 732 on the 11th
• Gresford, Marfoed & Rossett has 749 - up from 602 on 11th

Wrexham Council weekly covid update

Image: WCBC

The Rhos and Johnstown South area has recorded its worst figures since October 20, with a rate of 1,110 per 100,000.

The virus is very widespread with the principal locations remaining households followed, some way below, by outbreaks in care/nursing homes, Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the prison.

There are currently several work-place outbreaks, including one associated with the Arriva Wales bus depot.

Wrexham Council weekly covid update

Image: WCBC

Despite the high figures work is moving apace to roll out vaccinations in the county.

The update concludes: "In the coming days, every household in Wrexham will receive a letter from the health board – many will have already received it by email. It explains more about the vaccine rollout, including how people will be contacted about an appointment. Most vaccinations are currently being given at a number of Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) in North Wales, but there are advanced plans in place to mobilise Local Vaccination Centres (LVCs) in Wrexham when needed and to use local GP practices, pharmacies, etc."