WREXHAM has recorded the largest number of new coronavirus cases in North Wales, latest figures show.

Data released by Public Health Wales shows that on May 28, 30 people tested positive for virus in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) area that covers North Wales.

Records show that this includes 11 cases in Wrexham and one in Flintshire.

The information released by public health officials show there was one case on Anglesey, four cases in Gwynedd, four cases in Conwy and nine in Denbighshire.

Since records of the pandemic began, the total number of cases by county stand at 209 on Anglesey, 399 in Gwynedd, 445 in Flintshire, 501 in Conwy, 540 in Wrexham and 555 in Denbighshire.

These figures combined state that the total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the region now stands at 2,649.

BCUHB sadly reported a further 10 deaths on May 28 – bringing the regional total to 252 people.

Nationally, a total of 14 further people have died bringing the total number of deaths linked to the virus to 1,307 in Wales.

A total of 72 new cases of coronavirus were recorded across Wales, bringing the national total to 13,725 confirmed cases.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “On Friday, the First Minister will confirm what, if any, easements to lockdown rules and social distancing will take place in Wales. Welsh Government decisions will continue to be based on scientific evidence and advice.

“Whenever easements are made, a key enabler will be implementing Welsh Government’s ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy. We have made further progress in developing our testing capacity and making sure that we will be ready for contact tracing. Future relaxations of lockdown measures will also be dependent on everyone following advice set out in the ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy, including self-isolating when required.

“In the meantime, social distancing rules remain in effect. Public Health Wales fully supports Welsh Government’s revised stay-at-home regulations. The message has not changed – anyone can get Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), anyone can spread it. Stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”

Dr Howe adds that Public Health Wales, working with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, is recruiting 500 participants as part of the Oxford Vaccine Group COVID-19 vaccine trial.

He says: “The aim of this study is to find a safe vaccine that will develop immunity against the virus and thus prevent the disease. Co-ordinated by Health and Care Research Wales, this is a collaboration between Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University.

“This is an important study to test the effectiveness of one of the main candidate vaccines for COVID-19 in Wales. If successful, vaccination will provide a route out of this pandemic. We will be recruiting participants for screening and administration of vaccine, and monitoring outcomes and safety.”