A local health board has procedures in place to respond to a rise in cases of Covid-19 in North Wales.

Responding to a call for action from MS Llyr Gruffydd, who said the increase in cases in Wrexham Maelor Hospital and within the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board “paints a worrying picture of an infection that isn’t under control”, the health board said it had a number of measures in place.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr, said: “As part of a proactive approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, we have instigated universal screening for all patients on wards where we may or have had a Covid-19 positive patient. This is in addition to screening every patient admitted to our hospitals.

"All patients who test positive are appropriately isolated and all infection prevention and control measures are in place.

"All staff have access to the appropriate PPE, and staff who have worked in an environment where we have a confirmed positive cluster have also been tested, in accordance with national guidance.

“We continue to ask for the public’s help in managing the spread of Covid-19 in our communities. We want to limit the number of visitors to our hospital sites and as hospital visiting is still suspended, we are asking that you only have someone accompany you if necessary. If you are unable to attend an appointment please notify us as soon as possible.

“Please continue to follow the public health guidance around regular hand washing and following social distancing guidance to help prevent transmission of the virus.

“We continue to ask patients, the public and staff to wear face coverings in public areas of our hospitals.”

Mobile testing centres have been set up in Wrexham to help manage cases of Covid-19 in the community.