Wales Coronavirus update for Friday 22nd January

Public Health Wales have confirmed the latest Coronavirus figures in Wales on Friday 22nd January 2021.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are increasingly confident in the data which is showing a consistent downward trend in the numbers of positive cases in Wales.

“However, the numbers of cases is extremely high, and this is placing extreme pressure on our NHS Wales hospitals.

“The new variant of Coronavirus prevalent in many parts of Wales is up to 70 per cent more transmissible, so it is still vital that everyone continues to remain vigilant, by staying at home and sticking to the rules.  This way we will avoid adding to the pressure on hospitals and will keep people safe.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown. We ask that the public adopts the same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020. We understand that people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of coronavirus is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and do not meet other people.

“This means that you must stay at home. If exercising outdoors, please do this alone or with members of your household or support bubble only. Shop online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to chat with people outside your household. If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face mask when required according to the regulations.

“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.

“Public Health Wales is working with UK partners to investigate and respond to the new variant of coronavirus identified in Wales. The new variant is easier to spread and the public should remain highly vigilant in measures to prevent transmission including maintaining social distancing, regularly handwashing and wearing of face coverings. Though the new variant is more infectious, there is no evidence that it leads to more severe disease.

“UK nationals returning home from travel abroad must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure.

“Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not leave home or travel, including internationally, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so.

Click here to read the full daily statement issued by Public Health Wales.

New confirmed cases: 801

New Positive Cases (per area):

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board:

• Blaenau Gwent – 9 new cases
• Caerphilly – 28 new cases
• Monmouthshire – 22 new cases
• Newport – 44 new cases
• Torfaen – 18 new cases

Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board

• Anglesey – 27 new cases
• Conwy – 21 new cases
• Denbighshire – 43 new cases
• Flintshire – 77 new cases
• Gwynedd – 37 new cases
• Wrexham – 76 new cases

Cardiff & Vale University Health Board

• Cardiff – 44 new cases
• Vale of Glamorgan – 27 new cases

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

• Bridgend – 28 new cases
• Merthyr Tydfil – 11 new cases
• Rhondda Cynon Taf – 43 new cases

Hywel Dda University Health Board

• Carmarthenshire – 56 new cases
• Ceredigion – 11 new cases
• Pembrokeshire – 10 new cases

Powys Teaching Health Board

• Powys – 17 new cases

Swansea Bay University Health Board

• Neath Port Talbot – 47 new cases
• Swansea – 21 new cases

• Unknown Location – 4 new cases
• Wales Total – 721 new cases
• Resident Outside Wales – 80 new cases

Total confirmed cases: 185,836

New testing episodes: 6,529

Total testing episodes: 1,461,486

Deaths

There have been 67 deaths across Health Boards in Wales recorded in today’s update.

Aneurin Bevan reported 11 deaths
Betsi Cadwaladr reported 5 deaths
Cardiff & Vale reported 6 deaths
Cwm Taf Morgannwg reported 36 deaths
Hywel Dda reported 4 deaths
Swansea Bay reported 5 deaths

Cumulative deaths, by Health Board of residence:

Vaccinations

The number of individuals who have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Wales is 212,317.

The number of individuals who have received a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Wales is 415.

Please note: The vaccination data is updated on weekdays only. This data is up to date as of Friday 22nd January.

Covid-19 vaccine news 

“Public Health Wales is working closely with the Welsh Government as they deploy Coronavirus vaccinations through local health boards. Welsh Government is leading on the deployment of the vaccine 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. The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally for some time, and we must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe. 

“Members of the public should not phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when they 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.

“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by clicking here.

Find out more by reading the daily statement issued by Public Health Wales.