70 Covid-19 suspected deaths reported in Public Health Wales data
There were a further 70 suspected Covid-19 deaths in Wales, Public Health Wales figures published on Saturday revealed.
It takes Wales' Covid-19 suspected death toll to 3,564.
The data also recorded 2,764 positive coronavirus cases on December 31.
The figures come at a time when many in the NHS say they are working under immense strain.
Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said he hoped 2021 would be a better year and that the rollout of coronavirus vaccines was providing some hope.
He said: "We wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hope that 2021 will be a better year for us all.
"With vaccinations for COVID-19 progressing, we welcome the announcement by the Welsh Government of the roll-out of the second Coronavirus vaccine (from Oxford/AstraZeneca) 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."
Dr Williams also warned that Sunday's publication of PHW data would likely present higher figures as it was covering a 48-hour period.
He said: "Due [to] Bank Holiday arrangements, the data released today is as at 31 December at 9am.
"Data released tomorrow will cover a 48 hour period from 9am on 31 December to 9am on 2 January instead of the usual 24 hour period and so should be interpreted with caution, as it is likely to be around double the usual 24 hour value.
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