MORE than 5,000 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded across Wales today according to the latest figures – 304 of which have been the Omicron variant.

In total, Wales has recorded 5,335 new cases of Covid-19 and three deaths, according to data released today by Public Health Wales.

The national rate of infection currently stands at 724.9 cases per 100,000 population.

Ceredigion has recorded 102 new cases of Covid-19 today, with 211 being recorded in Gwynedd.

Elsewhere, Carmarthenshire has recorded 234 new cases, Pembrokeshire, 156 and Powys, 159.

Public Health Wales has confirmed that more than 300 cases of the new Omicron variant have been discovered.

Dr Chris Williams, Consultant Epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is today (Sunday 26 December) confirming 304 new cases of Omicron variant in Wales, bringing us to a total of 1,689 cases.

“As we have indicated previously, a rapid increase over the coming days and weeks is expected.”

Hywel Dda Health Board has recorded 29 new cases of the Omicron variant, taking the total number of confirmed cases in west Wales to 89.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has recorded 90 new cases with the total number of Omicron cases in north Wales standing at 369.

Powys has recorded six new Omicron cases with its total now 49.

Of the three new deaths recorded today, one has come in the Hywel Dda Health Board region of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, with the region’s total now standing at 627.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in north Wales has also recorded one new death, taking its total to 1,128.

No new deaths have been recorded in Powys, with its total remaining at 86.