ANOTHER 62 deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded in Wales today as new cases continue to rise.

Gwynedd has recorded 52 new cases today, the largest daily rise in cases for the county in some months, with Powys recording 58 new cases.

Carmarthenshire has recorded 77 new cases today with Pembrokeshire recording 49.

Ceredigion has recorded 18 new cases today.

62 deaths from suspected Covid-19 have been recorded in Public Health Wales’ figures today, taking the total number of fatalities since the pandemic began to 3,919.

Giving the daily statement, Dr Christopher Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The number of positive Coronavirus cases remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern.

“In the light of this, yesterday the First Minister confirmed Wales’ lockdown will continue for a further three weeks, until 29 January.

“The Education Minister has announced that all schools, colleges and will continue with online learning until at least 29 January, and will remain that way until the February half term unless there is a significant reduction in transmission.

“In addition, Welsh Government have announced that, non-essential retail, hospitality venues, licensed premises and leisure facilities will remain closed. Measures in shops and workplaces which remain open will be strengthened, including closing all showrooms, although they will still be able to operate click and collect services.

“With vaccinations for Covid-19 progressing, we welcome news that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna. This is the third COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for use in the UK.

“The roll-out of the second Coronavirus vaccine (from Oxford/AstraZeneca) in Wales continues, with the first patients receiving their vaccine on Monday.

“Vaccinating the adult population of Wales, to protect people from severe disease, is a significant task, and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone. The epidemiology of Covid-19 throughout the UK in late 2020 showed a clear need for rapid, high levels of vaccine uptake among vulnerable persons.

“Members of the public should not to phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when they 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.”