Over 40 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in Wales today.

The latest figures, released by Public Health Wales this lunchtime, show that 46 additional deaths have been recorded today in Wales, taking the total number of suspected Covid-19 fatalities to 4,392 since the pandemic began.

Six new deaths have been confirmed in the Hywel Dda area, with the current total standing at 329 throughout the pandemic.

Betsi Cadwaladr in North Wales has recorded 12 new deaths today, taking its total to 682 and Powys recorded no new fatalities, with the total number remaining at 40.

Across Wales, 1,153 new cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours with 21 cases in Ceredigion; 62 in Carmarthenshire; 56 in Pembrokeshire; 48 in Powys and 33 in Gwynedd.

The infection rate across Wales seems to be dropping with the number of cases today being 281 per 100,000 population, with the benchmark of 300 cases per 100,000 population being a guiding factor in Wales entering the level four lockdown.

Dr Eleri Davies, incident director for the outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “While there has been a reduction in the numbers of positive coronavirus cases in several parts of Wales, this data needs to be verified over several days before we can be sure that it is showing an established downward trend.

“Despite this, the number of cases remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern, due to the impact on NHS Wales services and the prevalence of the new, more infectious variant.

“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. If exercising outdoors, please do this alone or with members of your household or support bubble only. 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.

“Public Health Wales urges everyone to follow the rules, to avoid transmission of coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.”

For more figures on the coronavirus in Wales, go to the Public Health Wales website.