Wrexham coronavirus cases surge amid fears the virus 'isn't under control'
There has been a spike in the number of Covid-19 patients with between 70 and 80 confirmed positive cases at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
There are also "a small number" of positive cases in Chirk Hospital, Mold Community Hospital and Deeside Hospital.
All emergency hospital admissions are now being tested for coronavirus and patients whose status is unknown or suspected are being isolated from others.
Mobile testing units centres were set up in Wrexham on Wednesday 29 July to help manage cases in the community. They are be based at Caia Park Health Centre and Hightown Community Resource Centre. Tests are available between 9am and 6pm and booking is not required.
People are also being encourage not to visit hospitals across the health board unless they have to.
It is expected the number of cases will rise further as more tests are processed.
Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We currently have between 70 and 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
“A small number of confirmed cases are also present at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital, and Mold Community Hospital. Due to the risk of identifying patients, we will not be providing specific numbers for the three sites.
“As part of a proactive approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, we have instigated universal screening for all patients on wards where we may or have had a COVID-19 positive patient. This is in addition to screening every patient admitted to our hospitals. All patients who test positive are appropriately isolated and all infection prevention and control measures are in place.
“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."
Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS has described the number of cases as "very worrying" and is concerned the virus "isn't under control" in Wrexham.
He said: "New figures showing Covid-19 being confirmed in three community hospitals in Flintshire and Wrexham are very worrying and come on top of an ongoing rise in Covid-19 cases at the Maelor. Deeside, Mold and Chirk hospitals have all now got confirmed cases on their wards.
"As well as testing all patients - not just the ones on affected wards - it's also vital that all NHS staff are tested to limit further transmission.
"Coupled with the rising number of cases in the community in Wrexham, it paints a worrying picture of an infection that isn't under control in this part of Wales. I have written requesting further urgent clarification from Betsi Cadwaladr on whether they understand why this is a growing problem in the region."