Rhondda Cynon Taf sees highest number of new coronavirus cases

Credit: PA

Rhondda Cynon Taf has seen the highest number of new coronavirus cases, according to today's Public Health Wales figures.

Today's data also reveals the region now has more cases per 100,000 of the population than any other local authority, except Cardiff.

It comes as 22 new deaths from suspected coronavirus have been reported in Wales, bringing the total so far to 908. The daily updates now include deaths in care homes.

The number of confirmed cases in Wales stands at 9,812, although that figure is likely to be higher as not everyone with symptoms has been tested for the virus.

Today's Public Health Wales figures at a glance:

  • 9,812 total confirmed Covid-19 cases (of which 183 were new reports today)

  • 22 new suspected Covid-19 deaths reported today

  • 908 total suspected Covid-19 deaths

  • 31,215 individuals tested so far

  • 21,403 individuals tested negative

Twenty-five new cases have been reported in Rhondda Cynon Taf, bringing the total there to 1,085 so far - second only to Cardiff, which has 1,668 cases.

It also has one of the highest proportions of positive Covid-19 tests at 37.6 per cent - just behind Newport at 40.1 per cent and Blaenau Gwent at 39.8 per cent.

However, it also has one of the highest testing rates per 100,000 of the population.

Dr Frank Atherton said the pattern of movement of Covid-19 is less clear.

This afternoon, Wales' Chief Medical Officer said the pattern of movement of the virus is "much less obvious" since lockdown measures were introduced.

Dr Frank Atherton told journalists: "Two weeks ago, it did appear to be the case that the virus was transmitting from east to west and south to north.

"The lockdown measures were all announced uniformly on 23rd March, so that pattern of movement is much less obvious now."

He added: "I think it would be very difficult to lift measures on a geographical basis. You can foresee that that would potentially cause problems - I suspect that geographical lifting of lockdown is less likely than lifting the measures themselves one by one."

Dr Atherton also said there are no plans to encourage members of the public in Wales to wear face masks.