70-80 confirmed COVID cases at Wrexham Maelor as health board announces it will publish updates on any future north Wales outbreaks

There are between 70 and 80 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have announced today.

This is an increase on the 60 to 70 figure that was provided yesterday.

The health board have also confirmed that it will be providing updates on any outbreaks at its hospital sites when they are available.

It comes after increasing calls for clarification and details on the outbreak at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Yesterday reported that the health board had u-turned on a decision and released figures on the current number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the hospital.

In an update provided today Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, also confirmed that there are a “small number” of cases at at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital, and Mold Community Hospital.

However the health board will not be providing specific numbers “due to the risk of identifying patients, we will not be providing specific numbers for the three sites.”

Gill Harris said: “As part of a proactive approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, we have instigated universal screening for all patients on wards where we may or have had a COVID-19 positive patient. This is in addition to screening every patient admitted to our hospitals. All patients who test positive are appropriately isolated and all infection prevention and control measures are in place.

“We continue to ask for the public’s help in managing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We want to limit the number of visitors to our hospital sites and as hospital visiting is still suspended, we are asking that you only have someone accompany you if necessary. If you are unable to attend an appointment please notify us as soon as possible.

“Please continue to follow the public health guidance around regular hand washing and following social distancing guidance to help prevent transmission of the virus.

“Two mobile testing centres will be set up in Wrexham tomorrow to help manage cases of COVID-19 in the community. They will be based at Caia Park Health Centre (Prince Charles Road) and Hightown Community Resource Centre (Fusilier Way).

“People will be able to get a test without booking by attending either site between 9am and 6pm for the next few days.

“We continue to ask patients, the public and staff who do visit the Maelor site to wear face coverings or masks in public areas in our hospitals.”

Wrexham Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths said the increase in figures is a reminder that coronavirus has not gone away.

Ms Griffiths said: “For a number of weeks, I have been in regular contact with the relevant authorities and have received updates in recent days relating to the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Wrexham area.”

“There is misinformation on social media and constituents can contact me if they are concerned. I have been assured this afternoon the authorities are monitoring the situation extremely closely and will release further statements shortly.”

“The proactive measures being implemented, such as the easy-access testing facilities, will help the authorities gather valuable information and greater understanding, which will ultimately help contain the spread of the virus.

“It is important to reassure the general public that it is entirely possible extra testing will uncover more cases.

“This incident underlines that although cases generally are declining, coronavirus has not disappeared and it remains highly infectious. People must continue to adhere to social distancing, maintain good hand hygiene and if you have symptoms, you must stay at home and self-isolate. We all have a part to play in tackling this virus.”

Information on the outbreak at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and further updates on coronavirus cases in north Wales will be published here.