WALES has recorded nearly 250 new cases of coronavirus today according to the latest figures.

Ceredigion has recorded five new cases today after recording no cases on Sunday.

Pembrokeshire has record nine cases today with Carmarthenshire recording seven new cases.

Five cases have been recorded in Powys with one new case in Gwynedd.

In total, 247 new cases have been recorded across Wales on Monday, with four North Wales counties, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flint and Wrexham, recording over 20 new cases each.

Public Health Wales has this afternoon also confirmed that 315 cases of the Delta variant – formerly known as the Indian variant – have been identified in Wales, an increase of 131 since 10 June.

This variant is now the dominant strain of new cases of Coronavirus in Wales. The case numbers are expected to rise further over the coming weeks.

Localised community transmission of the variant is evident, with the majority of new cases not being connected to international travel.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Coronavirus response at Public Health Wales, said: “This is a significant development, but one we have predicted, as we know the Delta variant is easier to catch than the previously dominant Alpha variant.

"It is thought that increased mixing is contributing to transmission and we are concerned at this rise in cases.

“There is much we can do to protect ourselves and others.

"Latest evidence shows that both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the Delta variant after two doses and so it’s so important to take up the offer of both vaccines.

“By remaining at least two metres away from everyone else, washing our hands regularly, and wearing a face covering we can keep ourselves and our friends and family safe.

“If you develop any symptoms, you must self-isolate and get a test if you or anyone in your household develop symptoms.”

The majority of the Delta cases in Wales have been focused around a cluster of cases in North Wales and a cluster of cases in South Wales but we are also starting to see unlinked cases in these areas and elsewhere in Wales.

The numbers of variant cases in Wales are reported on the Public Health Wales surveillance dashboard at 12pm on Monday and Thursday.

Public Health Wales is not currently reporting variants by health board, but can confirm that most health boards in Wales have reported cases.

As part of improvements to our surveillance, we are looking at reporting by health board area as part of routine reporting on our surveillance dashboard.