MORE than 215 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 January 19, there were 104 new confirmed cases in Wrexham and 113 confirmed in Flintshire.

These figures take the total confirmed cases to date in Wrexham to 9,421 with Flintshire standing at 7,468.

Regionally, the latest figures show there were a total of 309 new cases confirmed across North Wales covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, taking the overall total up to 27,017.

Conwy saw 22 new confirmed case, with five in Anglesey, 47 in Denbighshire, and 18 in Gwynedd.

There have been eight 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 4,302.

So far, 1,441,321 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: "While there has been a reduction in the numbers of positive coronavirus cases in several parts of Wales, this data needs to be verified over several days before we can be sure that it is showing an established downward trend.

“Despite this, the number of cases remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern, due to the impact on NHS Wales services and the prevalence of the new, more infectious variant.

“In order to avoid adding to the current severe pressure on hospitals, it is extremely important that everyone continues to remain vigilant, by staying at home and sticking to the rules.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown.

"We ask that the public adopts the same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020.

"We understand that people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of coronavirus is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and do not meet other people.

“This means that you must stay at home.

"If exercising outdoors, please do this alone or with members of your household or support bubble only. "Shop online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to chat with people outside your household.

"If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face mask when required according to the regulations.

“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.

“Public Health Wales is working with UK partners to investigate and respond to the new variant of coronavirus identified in Wales.

"The new variant is easier to spread and the public should remain highly vigilant in measures to prevent transmission including maintaining social distancing, regularly handwashing and wearing of face coverings.

"Though the new variant is more infectious, there is no evidence that it leads to more severe disease.

“Following regulations introduced on Monday, if you intend to travel to England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure.

“Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home.

"You must not leave home or travel, including internationally, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so.

“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."