Local lockdown a possibility in Wrexham say Welsh Government as Covid-19 cases rise

The Welsh Government have said that they would consider a local lockdown in Wrexham but only as a “last resort” as cases grow there.

They told Wrexham and Flintshire’s Local Democracy Reporter that local lockdown measures could be considered in things get worse.

Public Health Wales has today revealed that 15 of the 32 new COVID-19 cases in Wales were in Wrexham.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said there are currently between 60 and 70 infected patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Two new mobile test centres run by the Army were opened in Hightown and Caia Park this morning in light of track and trace intelligence gathered in the town.

The Wesh Government told Wrexham and Flintshire’s Local Democracy Reporter: “We are currently seeing a larger number of COVID-19 cases in Wrexham than in other parts of Wales.

“Action to contain any spread will always be taken at the most local level possible and any national direction would always be a last resort.

“Outbreak control teams, made up of all key local partners, are carrying out contact tracing and infection prevention and control measures.

“Extra testing is also being co-ordinated at a local level. We are monitoring the situation and will take extra measures if needed.”

‘Get a test’

The increase in cases has been linked to the Maelor Hospital itself, as well as an earlier outbreak at the Rowan Foods plant on Wrexham Industrial Estate, which saw nearly 300 people impacted.

Dr Robin Howe, coronavirus incident director for Public Health Wales, said it was important for people in the Caia Park and Hightown areas to get tested if they had any symptoms.

He said: “In Wrexham, mobile testing units are being introduced today to make it easier for people living in communities on the edge of Wrexham town centre to get a COVID-19 test.

“The easy-access testing facilities will initially be based in Hightown and Caia Park.

“As well as making it easier to get a test, these units will help public health experts gain a better understanding of the situation in Wrexham.

“The work is being coordinated by Public Health Wales, Wrexham Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other partners, with support from the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) and other community groups.

“As in other parts of the country, the testing stations will be managed by the army.

“Residents living in these areas are being encouraged to get a test if they think they have symptoms, no matter how mild.”