LATEST figures from health officials show how coronavirus in North Wales continues to spread.

Four of the nine new cases of coronavirus acquired as of July 30 came from North Wales – specifically three from Wrexham and one from Anglesey.

Sadly, two more hospital patients died as a result of the virus and both were reported from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area which now has confirmed 383 people have lost their life to COVID-19.

Headline data for Wales shows that as of today – Thursday – more than 17,230 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Wales and the current number of deaths currently stands at 1,552.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales supports the announcement of the four UK Chief Medical Officers today to extend the self-isolation period from seven to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result. This will help provide additional protection to others in the community.

“We continue to caution and remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines - staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) - must self-isolate and seek an urgent test.

"Confirmed cases must now isolate for 10 days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone. Combined, these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread.

Health officials also gave an update on the current incidents surrounding Wrexham.

Dr Howe said: “Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham Council and Public Health Wales are working together to provide easy-access testing at two testing centres in Wrexham. If you think you have symptoms - even very mild ones or you’re not sure - please get tested.

“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep Wales safe. We can do this by always observing social distancing guidelines - that’s staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly.

“Focused testing as part of the management of clusters and outbreaks of Coronavirus will inevitably identify new cases, and this does not mean that there has been a significant increase in the level of infection in the community.”