OVER 50 new deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded across Wales today as news that a vaccine will be rolled out across the country in the coming weeks is welcomed by scientists and politicians.

Ceredigion has recorded 13 new cases of coronavirus today with Pembrokeshire recording 48 new cases and Carmarthenshire 90 new positive tests.

Gwynedd continues to see low numbers of daily infections with five recorded today and Powys has recorded 13 new cases today (Wednesday).

In the seven-day period between Monday, 23 November and Sunday, 29 November, Ceredigion recorded 106 cases of coronavirus giving the county an infection rate of 145.8 cases per 100,000 population. The standard measurement of infection across the UK.

Half of those cases were recorded in the Cardigan and Aberporth area, which recorded 57 cases during that timeframe and had an infection rate of 642.0.

During the same time, Pembrokeshire recorded 189 cases with an infection rate of 150.2 and Carmarthenshire recorded 406 cases with an infection rate of 215.1 cases per 100,000.

Powys recorded 115 cases taking its infection rate to 86.8 and Gwynedd recorded 42 cases with an infection rate of 33.7, the lowest in Wales.

Public Health Wales’ daily figures released this lunchtime show that 51 new deaths from suspected coronavirus have been recorded today, taking the total number of deaths in Wales since the pandemic begain to 2,614.

119 of those deaths have been recorded in the Hywel Dda region of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire while Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in North Wales has recorded 538 deaths.

Powys Health Board has recorded 29 deaths.

News today that a vaccine has been given the go-ahead and will be rolled-out across Wales within a matter of days has been welcomed by scientists and politicians.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now authorised the Pfizer Biontech vaccine as safe and effective on the basis of detailed independent expert review of evidence from large scale clinical trials.

40 million doses of the vaccine will shortly be available for delivery across the UK, with Wales getting its allocation based on population.

The effects of the vaccine may not be seen nationally for many months and the advice on keeping Wales safe remains the same for everyone; keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a two metre distance from others, wash hands regularly, wear a face covering where required and avoid touching surfaces others have touched, wherever possible.

Approval from the MHRA is the first step of Wales’ roll-out plan, which has seen preparations on-going since May.

There are still a number of stages which need to happen before the vaccine reaches those in highest need and is ready for use, but this process is expected to happen over the next week.

The vaccine - which needs to be administered in two doses - will initially be prioritised and available for those aged 80 and over, care home staff and residents and those working within health and social care.

Pfizer Biontech vaccine needs to be stored at ultra-low temperatures. These centres have already been decided by Health Boards and are in the process of being stood-up.

As further supplies become available and additional vaccines receive MHRA approval, a staged approach will see other groups be offered the vaccine, based on risk of serious complications and deaths.

Individuals in the priority groups for a COVID-19 vaccine will receive an invitation from their employer or Health Board providing information about the COVID-19 vaccines, telling them where to go and what to do on the day of their appointment.

People are urged to wait to be invited, which will happen through NHS systems. Please do not ask your pharmacist or GP.

There are plans in place for people who are housebound and for care homes to be vaccinated as soon as safely possible, with the approved vaccine being safely taken to them using a mobile service, once cleared for this purpose.

The vaccine will not be mandatory and people will be able to choose whether they take up the vaccine or not.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, said: “It is fantastic to finally say that the first Covid-19 vaccine has been given the green light. “We know now that we have a safe and effective vaccine for use across the UK - this is the positive news I and so many across the country have been waiting for.

“All our NHS organisations across Wales have embraced the challenge presented to them and are at the advanced stages of planning for the arrival of a vaccine. We have tested distribution and storage arrangements to ensure we can get vaccine safely to every part of Wales.”

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, added: “Today’s news is a small glimmer of light at the end of what has been a long and dark tunnel.

“We know some people within our communities are much more at risk than others from the serious complications of COVID-19, which is why the new vaccine is being prioritised to protect them first.

“Whilst these first doses are given at fixed sites and occupational settings, and to protect our NHS and social care services, we must all continue to do our bit to prevent the spread of coronavirus: regular hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a face covering where required to protect yourself and others.”