MORE than 200 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Wrexham and Flintshire, according to the latest public health data.

Figures released by Public Health Wales reveal that as of December 21, there were 126 new confirmed cases in Wrexham and 86 confirmed in Flintshire.

These figures take the total confirmed cases to date in Wrexham to 5,165 with Flintshire standing at 4,021.

Regionally, the latest figures show there were a total of 275 new cases confirmed across North Wales covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, taking the overall total up to 15,966.

Conwy saw 13 new confirmed case, with seven in Anglesey, 25 in Denbighshire, and 18 in Gwynedd.

There have been 10 new suspected COVID-related deaths across Wales.

To date, the total number of people in Wales who have died after testing positive for coronavirus stands at 3,125.

So far, 1,170,580 people have undergone coronavirus tests in Wales.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "Public Health Wales is working with the Welsh Government, local health boards, local authorities and other partners following the announcement of national restrictions in Wales from midnight December, 20 2020.

“Under the new restrictions, people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes.

"People must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with.

"Non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres, and hospitality will also close.

“Rules which allow two households to come together to form a Christmas bubble will now apply on Christmas Day only.

“As indicated by the Welsh Government, the immediate introduction of new restrictions is related to the identification of a new more transmissible variant of Coronavirus.

"Public Health Wales has been working with UK partners to investigate and respond to this variant.

“It is normal for viruses to undergo mutations, and we expect this to happen.

"Although the variant is easier to transmit, there is currently no evidence that it is more severe.

“We are reminding people that all current guidance relating to Coronavirus continues to apply to the new variant, including advice relating to symptoms, social distancing, self-isolation, and vaccination.

“We remind people that the more people that you mix with, the higher the risk of both transmitting and contracting Coronavirus, and you must change your Christmas plans.

“The more people who contract the virus, the greater the number who will need hospital treatment in our already stretched NHS Wales services.

“If you are due to travel out of the UK, please be aware of the changing situation and keep an eye on the FCO website for up to date details.

“The new variant shows up as positive in Public Health Wales’ existing Coronavirus tests, and people must continue to seek a test in the usual way if they develop Coronavirus symptoms.

“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by clicking here.

“Public Health Wales urges everyone to follow the rules, to avoid transmission of Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.”