Worrying number of Covid-19 cases in Wrexham - call for clear communication

Wrexham borough continues to show a worrying number of new Covid-19 cases - with more than 100 new cases in the past 21 days.  

There are growing concerns about new cases at the town's Wrexham Maelor hospital, which have prompted warnings from Betsi Cadwaladr health board to wear masks at all times in the hospital.

The figures on some days represents a half of all cases in Wales and come on the back of an outbreak associated with Rowan Foods on the town's industrial estate. It's not believed that this rise is linked to Rowan Foods but is more localised in certain areas.

Councillor Carrie Harper, Plaid Cymru's Wrexham spokesperson, called for greater clarity from Public Health Wales, which is leading the local Outbreak Control Team dealing with the issue. She said:

"The persistent numbers of new cases in Wrexham, although relatively low, is a concern. I'm aware of patients in Wrexham Maelor hospital who have acquired Covid-19 on at least one ward and I'm sure staff and patients would like assurances from Public Health Wales that thorough testing and screening is in place to prevent any wider outbreak.

"While we all understand the need to avoid speculation, where there is an information vacuum there will always be rumours flying about. The need for clear communication about the facts has never been more important and PHW needs to provide that clarity now to allay fears in the community."