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

Three of the 20 new cases of coronavirus acquired as of August 23 came from North Wales – specifically two from Flintshire and one from Wrexham.

The highest concentration of today’s cases once again came from the Cardiff area – with 11 positive cases in the confirmed in the last 24 hours.

Both of the latests hospital patients who died as a result of the virus were under the care of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) according to the latest release.

To date, BCUHB – the largest health board in Wales – has confirmed 417 people have lost their life to COVID-19.

Headline data for Wales shows that as of today – Sunday – just under 17,730 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Wales and the current number of deaths currently stands at 1,592.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales welcomes the further easing of lockdown measures by the Welsh Government, enabling up to four households to join together in an extended household, which came into effect on Saturday, August 22.

“This means that families and friends will be able to reunite, and will also help with caring arrangements.

“It is important to remember that if one person develops symptoms then everyone in the extended household arrangement will need to self-isolate in line with the Welsh Government guidance.

“In addition, up to 30 people will be able to meet for a meal following a wedding, civil partnership or funeral, providing social distancing measures are maintained."