43 patients being cared for at Wrexham Maelor Hospital due to healthcare acquired coronavirus

More data has been released regarding the coronavirus situation in the local area, with Wrexham’s seven day rolling benchmark figure now 581.8 per 100k

In an update with data valid to the morning of New Years Eve, Debra Hickman the Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “We are providing care to 43 patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and community hospitals in the East area who currently have, or have had healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.” This does not include an update on the number of people being treated for non-healthcare acquired coronavirus.

The latest outbreak was first declared on the 6th of November affecting a ‘small number’, which had increased to 20 people by the 13th and then 49 by the 20th of November, and “80 to 90” people in the by the end of November. It is the second outbreak to have been declared at the hospital, which saw a large increase in the number of patients with coronavirus over the summer. At its height in July there were almost 80 confirmed cases of the virus in the hospital, with the first outbreak declared over in September, with over 33 people reported as having died,

Debra Hickman added, “Since declaring this outbreak in late October, we have provided care to 125 patients with healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.”

“We continue to review our infection prevention practices as we learn more about the virus and national guidance is updated.”

Today has also seen the regular update from Public Health Wales showing +268 new cases on the day on day reporting of new cases for Wrexham, with 34.4% positive proportion – with the seven day rolling figure now 581.8 per 100k.

There was no reporting of data yesterday, but raw data has 243 cases on 29th of December out of 688 tests, with a note that tomorrows data will cover a two day period, so is expected to be higher.

PHW explained, “Due Bank Holiday arrangements, the data released today is as at 31 December at 9am. Data released tomorrow will cover a 48 hour period from 9am on 31 December to 9am on 2 January instead of the usual 24 hour period and so should be interpreted with caution, as it is likely to be around double the usual 24 hour value.”

Today’s data has also seen a two weekly local authority based update report giving more detailed figures for each council area around Wales, the top image shows the positive proportion of tests.

Local authority breakdowns for age have also been updated:

Other data includes the sample source information, showing the split Wales-wide of confirmed testing episodes in the community or in hospital, with the data sorted by age.

The confirmed cases for the rolling seven day period is also graphed for the six North Wales council areas, with it explained that the location is of where the person is resident not where they are treated.

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hope that 2021 will be a better year for us all. With vaccinations for COVID-19 progressing, we welcome the announcement by the Welsh Government of the roll-out of the second Coronavirus vaccine (from Oxford/AstraZeneca) in Wales.

“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.

“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.”

“Public Health Wales urges everyone to follow the rules, to avoid transmission of Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.”