OVER 60 Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded in Wales today.

65 deaths have been recorded today by Public Health Wales, taking the total number of suspected Covid-19 deaths to 3,494.

13 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Ceredigion today with 87 in Carmarthenshire, 36 in Pembrokeshire, 17 in Powys and 18 in Gwynedd.

The vaccination roll out across Wales is beginning to pick up pace with 5,138 people receiving the first jab of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in the Hywel Dda region of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

4,747 people in Betsi Cadwaladr region of North Wales have received the first jab with 3,861 people in Powys getting the vaccination.

Following the news that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been given approval, it is hoped these numbers will increase dramatically in the coming weeks.

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We hope that 2021 will be a better year for us all, especially in light of the announcement by the Welsh Government of the roll-out of the second Coronavirus vaccine in Wales.

“Although we are right to celebrate this announcement, we would sound a note of caution because vaccinating the adult population of Wales is a significant task, and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone.

“Please do not to phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when you will get a vaccine. When someone is in one of the groups eligible for the vaccine, they will be invited to attend a dedicated clinic which will have been set up to ensure patient safety and that of the healthcare professionals.

“The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally for some time, and with Wales at alert level four we must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe. Stay at home, meet only the people you live with, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, and work from home if you can.

“As indicated by the Welsh Government, the new restrictions were brought forward due to the identification of a new more transmissible variant of Coronavirus. Public Health Wales has been working with UK partners to investigate and respond to this variant.

“It is normal for viruses to undergo mutations, and we expect this to happen. Although the variant is easier to transmit, there is currently no evidence that it is more severe.

“We are reminding people that all current guidance relating to Coronavirus continues to apply to the new variant, including advice relating to symptoms, social distancing, self-isolation, and vaccination.

“The new variant shows up as positive in Public Health Wales’ existing Coronavirus tests, and people must continue to seek a test in the usual way if they develop Coronavirus symptoms.”