New cases of coronavirus continue to rise across Wales as today’s figures show over 1,300 have been recorded in the last 24 hours.

20 new deaths related to Covid-19 have also been recorded across Wales, taking the total to 4,294 since the pandemic began.

There have been 120 more cases of coronavirus reported in the Hywel Dda Health Board area today and four more deaths.

Figures released by Public Health Wales reveal a further 77 cases in Carmarthenshire, 24 in Pembrokeshire, and 19 in Ceredigion.

Gwynedd has recorded 34 new cases today and Powys has recorded 35.

The number of deaths due to suspected Covid-19 in the Hywel Dda area stands at 318.

Betsi Cadwaladr in North Wales has recorded 660 deaths, whilst Powys Health Board has recorded 40.

The total amount of cases reported in Wales since the pandemic began stands at 181,493, with 1,332 new cases reported today.

As of 10 January Hywel Dda had administered 12,292 vaccinations, whilst Betsi Cadwaladr had administered 16,283 and Powys 5,981 vaccinations.

Dr Giri Shankar, 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.

“In order to avoid adding to the current severe pressure on hospitals, it is extremely important that everyone continues to remain vigilant, by staying at home and sticking to the rules.

“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.”