Local lockdown in Wrexham viewed as ‘a last resort’ by Welsh Government as coronavirus figures continue to increase

The introduction of local lockdown measures in Wrexham will only be considered as “a last resort” to tackle a continuing rise in coronavirus cases, the Welsh Government has said.

Public Health Wales has today revealed just under half of all the new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wales were in Wrexham.

Data shows there were 15 new cases in the county borough, compared to 32 nationally, while five more deaths of people with the virus have been reported in north Wales as a whole.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said there are currently between 60 and 70 infected patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Two new mobile test centres run by the Army were opened in Hightown and Caia Park this morning in light of track and trace intelligence gathered in the town.

It has led to questions from residents over whether a local lockdown will be introduced locally, similar to the measures put in place in parts of England.

Wrexham.com asked the First Minister in early June on the topic, “if localised lockdowns been ruled out in Wales , and if Wales wide responses are the tactic, how is locking down Wrexham going to help deal with a spike in say Swansea?” not thinking that the scenario could be the reverse two months later.

Today Welsh Government has now said it is prepared to step in, but only if all other attempts to stem the spread of the virus fall short.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently seeing a larger number of COVID-19 cases in Wrexham than in other parts of Wales.

“Action to contain any spread will always be taken at the most local level possible and any national direction would always be a last resort.

“Outbreak control teams, made up of all key local partners, are carrying out contact tracing and infection prevention and control measures.

“Extra testing is also being co-ordinated at a local level. We are monitoring the situation and will take extra measures if needed.”

The increase in cases has been linked to the Maelor Hospital itself, as well as an earlier outbreak at the Rowan Foods plant on Wrexham Industrial Estate, which saw nearly 300 people impacted.

A small number of cases have also been confirmed by the local health board at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital, and Mold Community Hospital.

A range of measures have been put in place to help manage the risk of COVID-19 spreading within hospital settings, including universal screening for patients on wards where the virus is present.

Betsi Cadwaladr’s executive director of nursing Gill Harris said: “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.”

She also reminded people of the board’s request for face coverings to be worn in all public areas of hospitals.

Meanwhile, Dr Robin Howe, coronavirus incident director for Public Health Wales, said it was important for people in the Caia Park and Hightown areas to get tested.

He said: “In Wrexham, mobile testing units are being introduced today to make it easier for people living in communities on the edge of Wrexham town centre to get a COVID-19 test.

“The easy-access testing facilities will initially be based in Hightown and Caia Park.

“As well as making it easier to get a test, these units will help public health experts gain a better understanding of the situation in Wrexham.

“The work is being coordinated by Public Health Wales, Wrexham Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other partners, with support from the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) and other community groups.

“As in other parts of the country, the testing stations will be managed by the army.

“Residents living in these areas are being encouraged to get a test if they think they have symptoms, no matter how mild.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter / Wrexham.com