CORONAVIRUS case rates in Flintshire and Wrexham continue their downward trend, the latest data shows.

Public Health Wales figures released on Monday (March 1) show that 19 new cases were confirmed in the two counties between February 27 and 28.

Of these, 11 were in Wrexham and 8 in Flintshire, with their respective infection rates per 100,000 population now at 71.3 and 81.4.

The national seven-day infection rate currently stands at 64.

Across North Wales as a whole, 78 cases were confirmed in the latest 24-hour period - with the highest infection rates now in the western part of the region.

Sadly, a further three people who had tested positive for coronavirus in the last 28 days died in Wales between February 27 and 28.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We wish everyone in Wales a very happy St David’s Day, and remind people to celebrate safely.

“The Welsh Government has announced that families with a baby of under a year old are able to form a bubble with one other household, in order to receive support during the crucial first year of a baby’s life.

“It was one year ago yesterday, on February 28 2020 that the first case of coronavirus was announced in Wales. I am pleased to report that one year later, as of Saturday February 27 2021, Wales has now delivered more than 1 million first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Furthermore, as of Saturday, February 27 2021, the weekly incidence of COVID-19 infections in all local authority areas throughout Wales has fallen below 100 cases per 100,000 population. This is encouraging, but we must continue following the rules and guidelines to maintain this trend."

Dr Shankar added: "The Welsh Government has announced that the revised vaccine strategy will mean that every eligible adult in Wales will be offered a first dose by the end of July.

"In addition, adults with severe or profound learning disabilities, and those with any mental illness that causes severe functional impairment, will be invited for vaccination as part of the JCVI priority group six, and Welsh Government has published guidance on identifying eligible individuals in these groups and how to support them to take up their vaccine offers."