MORE than half of the latest coronavirus cases across North Wales were reported in Wrexham, according to figures.

Public Health Wales has confirmed 24 new cases of the virus have been reported across Wales.

Of those, 13 were reported in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Area.

Eight of the new cases were in Wrexham, three were in Flintshire and two were in Denbighshire.

The total number of cases across the region are now as follows: 1,335 in Wrexham, 801 in Denbighshire, 741 in Flintshire, 718 in Conwy, 593 in Gwynedd and 460 on Anglesey - bringing North Wales' total to 4,648.

Public Health Wales also confirmed no new deaths have been reported across Wales.

The total number of deaths reported to Public Health Wales in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Area now stands at 392.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham Council and Public Health Wales worked together to provide easy-access testing at two testing centres in Wrexham at the end of last week and into the weekend.

“A big thank you to the community in Wrexham for their enthusiastic response and for coming forward to be tested. We are very reassured by the emerging picture from these sessions, which appears to indicate that transmission is significantly lower than thought. Just two new cases were identified on the first day of testing.”

"We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep Wales safe.

"We can do this by always observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.

“Focused testing as part of the management of clusters and outbreaks of Coronavirus will inevitably identify new cases, and this does not mean that there has been a significant increase in the level of infection in the community.

“Following the Welsh Government’s announcement on changes to lockdown measures last week, a number of these changes come into effect today.

“The restrictions preventing more than two households or extended households meeting outdoors will be changed to allow up to 30 people to meet outdoors. Physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

“Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes will be able to re-open indoors. As will indoor bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo halls. Licensed wedding venues will be able to re-open to provide wedding ceremonies.

"However, indoor receptions will not be able to take place for the time being.

“Finally, children under the age of 11 will no longer have to maintain a two metre distance from each other or from adults.

"This reflects scientific evidence which indicates the risk of transmission is lower among this age group. However, it is very important older children and young adults continue to follow social distancing and the other measures to keep them safe.

“Public Health Wales supports the recent announcement of the four UK Chief Medical Officers to extend the self-isolation period from seven to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result.

"This will help provide additional protection to others in the community.

“We continue to caution and remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines - staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly.

"When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) - must self-isolate and seek an urgent test.

"Confirmed cases must now isolate for 10 days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone.

"Combined, these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread."