ANOTHER 45 deaths have been recorded in Wales today with three more in the Hywel Dda region.

Latest figures released this lunch time by Public Health Wales show that 399 new cases have been recorded today across Wales, leaving the nation with an infection rate of 130 cases per 100,000 population.

Concerns have been raised however about the rate in North Wales, where it is double that of the national average in some places.

45 deaths have been recorded in Wales today, with three in the Hywel Dda region of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, taking its total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic to 379.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in North Wales has recorded seven new deaths, taking its total to 770.

Powys Health Board has not recorded any new deaths, leaving its total on 50.

Eight new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Ceredigion today with Carmarthenshire recording 25; Pembrokeshire, 11; Gwynedd, 17 and Powys, 12.

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Although the data currently shows that on an all-Wales level the numbers of cases are reducing and that the incidence is now below 130 cases per 100,000 population, the rates in some areas – particularly in North Wales – are still at more than double that.

“The pressure on our hospitals is still severe, so it is extremely important that everyone sticks to the rules and stays at home as much as possible.”

“Multi-agency investigations have continued into the three cases of the South African variant of Coronavirus which were reported earlier this week, that were identified in Wales with no known travel history to the region or relevant contacts.

“The case on Anglesey has, following investigation, been linked back to international travel. Investigations continue into the remaining two cases.

“A total of 13 cases of the South Africa variant have been identified in Wales and on Wednesday 10 had been linked back to international travel. Today that number is 11.

“The UK variant of Coronavirus prevalent in many parts of Wales is up to 70 per cent more transmissible, and as reported recently there is evidence which suggests that it may lead to a higher risk of death than the non-variant.

“This is a crucial time. We must ensure that we stick to the rules over the next few weeks so that the number of cases continues to reduce and that hospitals can start to recover, while the vaccination programme is underway to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”