MORE than 280 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 30, there were 167 new confirmed cases in Wrexham and 116 confirmed in Flintshire.

These figures take the total confirmed cases to date in Wrexham to 6,242 with Flintshire standing at 4,810.

Regionally, the latest figures show there were a total of 411 new cases confirmed across North Wales covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, taking the overall total up to 18,586.

Conwy saw 27 new confirmed case, with 18 in Anglesey, 67 in Denbighshire, and 16 in Gwynedd.

There have been 13 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 3,429.

So far, 1,266,640 people have undergone coronavirus tests in Wales.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "We welcome the approval of a second Coronavirus vaccine for use in the UK, and the Welsh Government announcement that its roll-out across Wales will start next week.

“Although we are right to celebrate this announcement, we would sound a note of caution because vaccinating the adult population of Wales is a significant task, and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone.

“Please do not to phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when you will get a vaccine.

"When someone is in one of the groups eligible for the vaccine, they will be invited to attend a dedicated clinic which will have been set up to ensure patient safety and that of the healthcare professionals.

“The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally for some time, and with Wales at alert level four we must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe.

"Stay at home, meet only the people you live with, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, and work from home if you can.

“As indicated by the Welsh Government, the new restrictions were brought forward due 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.

“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."