Public Health Wales has confirmed that daily cases of COVID-19 in Wales are rising fast with 752 reported in the past day. By comparison, yesterday saw 425 cases. Sadly there have been 3 new fatalities.

In North Wales, Flintshire and Wrexham remain the local hotspots with 54 and 41 new cases each.

Closer to home Conwy has 10 new cases with 17 in Denbighshire. Anglesey remains the local authority with the fewest new cases at 4 with 7 in Gwynedd.

In South Wales, the Cardiff, Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf areas have once again seen high levels of new cases.

Dr Giri Shankar Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“Local restrictions are now in place in 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 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.

“It is vital that people in every part of Wales stick to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly.  They must also self-isolate immediately when asked to do so. 

“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.

 “Anyone with suspected coronavirus should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111. We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait."