MORE than 150 new cases of covid-19 have been reported across North Wales, health chiefs have said.

Public Health Wales confirmed on Sunday that 950 new cases of the virus have been reported across Wales, in addition to three further deaths.

Of the new cases, 156 were reported in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area.

There were:

  • 55 in Wrexham
  • 33 in Flintshire
  • 27 in Denbighshire
  • 15 in Conwy
  • 14 in Gwynedd
  • 12 on Anglesey

Public Health Wales also confirmed the number of deaths (suspected covid-19 deaths in lab confirmed cases) reported in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area stands at 433.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Cases of Coronavirus continue to rise in all parts of Wales, including in areas where local restructions are in place.

“The public health message has not changed and is as important as ever; it is vital that people in every part of Wales stick to social distancing guidelines, that’s staying two metres away from others, avoiding socialising with people outside your household, and washing hands regularly.

"They must also self-isolate immediately when asked to do so.

“Local restrictions are now in place in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, and Wrexham local authority areas, and in the hyperlocal areas of Bangor and Llanelli.

“People who live in these areas must abide by these restrictions to protect themselves, their families, friends, older and vulnerable people, and keep Wales safe.

"For more information about restrictions in your area, visit the Welsh Government website.

“We are aware of misinformation circulating on social media which suggests that testing for COVID-19 generates a positive result for flu or common cold viruses.

"This is completely incorrect. The swab (PCR, antigen) test for COVID-19 has been specifically developed to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus also known as COVID-19 and has a proven accuracy rate of 99.91 per cent.

“We would remind everyone to ensure that they are getting their information from established, trusted organisations: Public Health Wales, Welsh Government, and NHS Wales, and not to share anything from unverified sources.

“We are also reminding everyone not to delay in booking a Coronavirus test if you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the virus, however mild such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell.

"You must book a test for Coronavirus promptly to help control the spread of infection.

"Visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119. Tests are free, there is no charge."