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‘Urgent explanation needed’ over 84 newly-reported coronavirus deaths in the north of Wales

24 Apr 2020 2 minute read
Picture a merger of @LloydCymru’s coronavirus updates and an image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.

An opposition politician has expressed “alarm” at the fact that 84 new deaths with coronavirus between 20 March and 22 April have been reported.

The newly-reported deaths are backdated and from the Betsi Cadwaladr NHS area which covers the north of Wales.

Today’s latest update from Public Health Wales confirmed 110 new deaths in Wales with coronavirus – taking the total number to 751.

Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian said it is “alarming” that only now are the public made aware of the “significant” number of Covid-19 related deaths in the north of Wales.

The Plaid Cymru AM said an “urgent explanation” was needed from the health board, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government as to why there has been “a month of under-reporting”.

“It is alarming that only now are we made aware of a significant number of deaths within Betsi Cadwaladr,” she said.

“We need an urgent explanation from the health board, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government as to why there has been a month of under-reporting.

“A full picture of the outbreak is essential to maintain public confidence and to inform ministers on crucial decisions such as any easing of the lockdown.”

 

Figures

In Wales, the highest number of deaths with coronavirus have been in the Aneurin Bevan Health Board covering Gwent, where 213 have died.

157 people have died in the Cardiff and Vale health board area, and 148 have died in the area covered by Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board.

In the Swansea Bay health board area 131 people have died.

There are no published figures for Hywel Dda and Powys health boards in order to protect the identity of those who have died due to the figures being small, Public Health Wales said.

Public Health Wales only release Covid-19 deaths they are formally told about, so the real death toll is expected to be higher, but may not be confirmed for some weeks.


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Jase
Jase
3 years ago

Why doesn’t the writer just save the hyperbole and just say what he means, ie its all English peoples fault

Ceri
Ceri
3 years ago
Reply to  Jase

Surely saying it’s all English people’s fault would be the hyperbole… The reporter has simply presented what others are saying… Can we order better trolls please? This one doesn’t seem to be working very well.

Simon Gruffydd
3 years ago

To get things in perspective, the average mortality rate of Wales is still roughly average with only a moderate rise as one would expect in any flue season.

Lyn Thomas
3 years ago
Reply to  Simon Gruffydd

Still peddling the lie that this is no worse than seasonal flu? Simon you need to read the real research

Ceri
Ceri
3 years ago
Reply to  Lyn Thomas

Even if, after some time has passed and we can quantify the numbers, the covid-19 outbreak does not exceed the bounds of a bad flu season, it’s all a bit irrelevant. We’ve been dealing with seasonal flu for decades. This virus is new to us and poses a greater threat due to its relative novelty. I’m not entirely sure if Simon’s assertion about mortality rates is right, but let’s say they are for a moment. Imagine death from misadventure fell for a given period but the fall was countered by a huge rise in an otherwise unseen killer, say smallpox.… Read more »

David Roberts
David Roberts
3 years ago
Reply to  Simon Gruffydd

This isn’t instead of flu! It’s not a swap. It’s in addition to it.
ARESHOLE!!!

Ann Owen
Ann Owen
3 years ago

Exactly Siân Gwenllian! And when we recall that Vaughan Gething is directly responsible for Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, still in special measures, it beggars belief that he didn’t keep an especially careful eye on its findings and reporting during a pandemic! The least that he and the Health Board can do now is to give a detailed breakdown of the death figures, day by day since beginning of March and by hospital. Also when did the under-reporting come to light, and when did Vaughan Gething know about it? What steps and checks are being put in place to make sure… Read more »

pete
pete
3 years ago
Reply to  Ann Owen

You have heard the saying, Pass the buck they will find a way

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