The new strain of coronavirus is spreading fast putting Gwynedd health services under increasing pressure.

The multi-agency Covid-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group for Gwynedd has issued a stark warning that all residents must comply fully with the Welsh Government rules in order to halt the current surge in cases.

Over the past week, 255 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the county – a large increase from 164 the previous week. Worryingly, most of these cases are the new more transmissible strain of the virus, with children far more likely to catch and spread than was the case with the previous strain.

Dafydd Williams, Gwynedd Council’s head of environment and chair of the Gwynedd Prevention and Surveillance Group said: “Cases in nearby parts of Wales are at an all-time high, with hospital services close to breaking point.

"We must all act now to prevent Gwynedd communities from being next in line – I’m afraid that this is a matter of life and death.

“The new strain of the virus is far more prevalent in North Wales and testing data suggests it accounts for up to 70 per cent of new cases.

“This variant is far easier to spread to those that we are in close contact with, and we are seeing whole households being infected because it transmits so easily. Remember that some people do have Covid-19 but do not show symptoms.

“We can all be proud of the way that most people in Gwynedd have followed the rules throughout the pandemic. By doing so, they have helped to ensure that most people in this area have stayed healthy.

“We have now started the work of vaccinating local people, and this process is gathering pace.

"Given the sacrifices that have been made, it would be tragic if we lost control of the situation at this stage when there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Statistics show that people believe that they are most likely to catch coronavirus from a stranger. In fact, we are far more likely to catch the virus by bending or breaking the rules with people we know, such as meeting-up with friends or family from outside our households.

“The best way we can break the chain of death and illness is to act as if we and those around us have the virus – stay at home, keep at least two metres apart at all times if you have to leave the house, wash or sanitise your hands regularly, and wear a good quality face covering. It is also important to note that those who have had the Covid-19 vaccination still need to take these steps.

“If we all play our part now to protect our NHS, we can then rely on it to be there for us if and when we need it.”