THE MS for the Vale of Clwyd says investment to improve Covid-19 testing at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd will be 'crucial to minimising' any potential further spreads.

Ann Jones MS has welcome the news that the Bodewyddan-based hospital will receive a share of £32m of funding to improve speed with which tests can be processed.

It is hoped this further funding will help many more people receive results within the space of a single day.

Ann Jones MS said “As we approach Autumn we need to be ready for any potential second wave of Covid. I am pleased that this important investment in to our local hospital will help us identify possible hotspots and make contacts with those possibly affected. This will be crucial in minimising and suppressing any potential spread and will save lives.”

In recent months, the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and the NHS in Wales have worked together to build a national testing infrastructure in Wales for COVID-19.

The virus is expected to spread more quickly in the colder, wetter months and so an increase in positive cases is expected once more later this year.

Test, Trace, Protect strategy will be key to minimising the impact of any increase by enabling us to quickly identify people with COVID-19; identify new hotspots and isolate as many contacts as possible.

Speed is of the essence for effective suppression of the virus and SAGE advice is that as part of contact tracing, test results should be turned around in 24 hours to limit onwards transmission.