Hospital visits cancelled across some south Wales hospitals amid growing Covid cases

All hospital visits to general wards across some hospitals in south Wales have been stopped, due to a rise in Covid patients.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which is the local health board for Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Bridgend, said it had taken the "difficult decision" to restrict visiting to its hospital wards including maternity units.

It said it has had to happen as a result of growing numbers of Covid-positive patients both in its hospitals and the community.

Merthyr Tydfil MS Dawn Bowden described it as "disappointing".

Data from the last rolling seven days - 29 August to 4 September - show Merthyr Tydfil has one of the highest positivity rate in the whole of Wales.

Figures from Public Health Wales show more than a fifth (22.7%) tested for Covid-19 were positive, with 804 cases per 100,000 of the population. This is compared to 132 cases a month before.

It comes as PHW recorded more than 2,000 cases and nine deaths across Wales in the last 24 hours.

• What are the new restrictions?

From 10 September, there is no visiting on general wards and all patients attending outpatient appointments must do so alone.

Visiting is only permitted for those who are receiving end-of-life care - but this is to be agreed with the palliative care team in advamce.

One person will be allowed to accompany a pregnant woman in labour, but only once they are in "established labour" - and in the immediate post-natal period. There will be no visiting to the antenatal or postnatal wards.

One partner is allowed at ultrasound scan appointments at 12 and 20 weeks.

One person is permitted in the paediatric and neonatal wards.