50 Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded in Wales today, according to official figures.

The latest deaths reported today by Public Health Wales take the total number of fatalities in Wales since the pandemic began last March to 4,832 people.

Of the 50 deaths recorded today, 15 came from the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in North Wales, which has now reported 756 deaths from coronavirus.

Hywel Dda, which covers Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, has recorded four deaths today taking its total to 372.

Powys Teaching Health Board has not recorded any new deaths today, leaving its total on 50.

Across Wales, 455 new cases were identified today with Ceredigon recording six new cases.

Carmarthenshire recorded 33 new cases with Pembrokeshire recording 13; Powys, nine and Gwynedd, eight.

Giving the daily statement, Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “This is a crucial time. We must ensure that we stick to the rules over the next few weeks so that the number of cases continues to reduce and that hospitals can start to recover, while the vaccination programme is underway to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It is important to remember that all current variants of Coronavirus are still spreading and can cause severe illness and death. Therefore it is important to stay at home, and to reduce opportunities for spread by keeping your distance, washing hands regularly, and covering your face.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown. We ask that the public adopts the same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020. We understand that people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of Coronavirus is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and do not meet other people.

“This means that you must stay at home. Shop online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to chat with people outside your household. If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face mask when required according to the regulations.”