Over 40 new deaths linked to coronavirus have been recorded in Wales today, according to official statistics.

44 new deaths have been recorded by Public Health Wales today, taking the total number in Wales since the pandemic began to 1,939.

Public Health Wales said the large number of deaths was down to a reporting time lag in recording the deaths.

24 deaths were in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board area, which covers parts of the South Wales valleys.

A further 10 were in the Swansea Bay health board area and six in the Aneurin Bevan health board area, which covers the old Gwent region and Caerphilly county.

In Wales, 1,202 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the past 24 hours.

Ceredigion recorded two new cases in the last 24 hours taking the seven day total to 26 cases, giving the county an infection rate of 35.8 cases per 100,000 population, the standard measure across the UK.

Powys recorded 16 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking its weekly total to 153 cases and leaving the county with an infection rate of 115.5.

After recording no cases on Tuesday, Gwynedd reported nine new cases today, taking the weekly total to 69 and giving the county an infection rate of 55.4.

Carmarthenshire recorded 43 new cases today and Pembrokeshire, four.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales will work with Welsh Government to monitor the effect of the regulations which will come in at the end of the current firebreak period on 9 November.

“We support the call for the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of coronavirus.

“As we enter the second and final week of the fire-break, we recognise that many people may be finding life more challenging, resulting in difficulties with mental health. There are many agencies which provide help and support, including the CALL helpline on 0800 132 737, which will refer callers to the most appropriate organisation according to their needs.

“If you are in severe mental distress or are having suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans Cymru free on 116 123.

“Today Public Health Wales is reporting 44 new deaths from Covid-19. Due to a reporting time lag, some of the deaths included in today’s total are from previous days. The data dashboard is a rapid reporting tool which is subject to ongoing revision and reconciliation.

“We urge the public to stick to the current rules, which are vital to help us regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives.”