Over 50 Covid-19 deaths reported by Public Health Wales, with warning to isolate before Christmas

Over 50 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported by Public Health Wales today.

The 52 deaths is the highest ever figure reported in one day, after 43 on the 19th and 13th of April earlier this year. It means a total of 2,973 have died in Wales after testing positive for Covid-19.

Half of the newly reported deaths were reported by Swansea Bay health board.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg reported a further 11 deaths, Hywel Dda reported seven and there were also five deaths in the Aneurin Bevan health board area, two in Cardiff and Vale and one in Betsi Cadwaladr.

They also reported 11,468 new cases after planned IT maintenance meant there was a “significant under-reporting”

The number of Coronavirus cases continues to increase, with the seven-day rolling average passing 500 cases per 100,000 in Wales.

Rates of infection have increased in 21 of the 22 local authorities over the last seven days, with the seven-day rolling average now exceeding 1,000 cases per 100,000 in one area, Public Health Wales said.

“People will be aware that we are reporting today a backlog of around 11,000 cases on our dashboard today following the data delay over the weekend,” Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said.

“It is important to note that this issue has not affected individuals receiving their results and the contact tracing process being commenced.

“Members of the public can be reassured that anyone who tests positive will be contacted by their local authority’s Test, Trace, Protect team in the usual way. There have been no errors in the Public Health Wales reporting.”

‘Self-isolating’

Public Health Wales also warned that anyone looking to bubble over Christmas begin self-isolating in the run up to 25 December.

“In light of this situation, the Welsh Government has confirmed that only two households should come together to form an exclusive Christmas bubble during that period,” Dr Robin Howe said.

“We would ask the public to very carefully consider if this is appropriate for them and their households. Particular caution should be applied if there are elderly or vulnerable members of their households who are at greatest risk.

“For those who do plan on forming a Christmas bubble, it is essential that this is planned and agreed with all the households involved. If doing so, we advise the public to now stop mixing with other households.

“This means staying out of other people’s homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to do so by contact tracers.”