NORTH Wales counties identified on coronavirus watchlist as public health officials share growing concerns.

Almost every part of Wales saw a rise in new coronavirus cases, according to the latest figures, as pleas continue for the public to follow newly introduced rules.

A total of 389 new coronavirus cases have been reported to Public Health Wales in the last 24 hours, according to the latest figures, with data showing a rise in every corner of the country.

Of this number, a small number of just 27 positive tests came from areas in the North Wales region covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

These figures are broken down to include eight in Denbighshire, five each in Anglesey, Conwy and Flintshire, three in Wrexham and one in Gwynedd.

Larger results came from hotspot areas like Rhondda Cynon Taf with 93 new cases.

Nationally, there have been a total of 21,548 cases since records began.

Sadly, a further two people have died as a result of the virus and bring the Welsh death toll up to 1,605.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales welcomes the package of new national measures being brought in from 6pm tomorrow, Thursday 24 September.

“These restrictions mean that pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises must close at 10pm, and offer table service only. Off licenses, including supermarkets and other retail outlets, must also stop selling alcohol at 10pm.

“The ‘rule of six’ means that only six people from the same extended household can meet indoors.

“In addition, the Welsh Government has announced strengthened regulations and support for employees and employers who are required to self-isolate.”

Dr Shankar goes on to say that - despite low daily numbers - Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire are all areas of concern to Public Health Wales.

He says: “We are watching the data from there carefully, but numbers of cases are increasing in all parts of Wales so there is no room for complacency in any area.

“We are also seeing an increase in the number of people who are seriously ill and have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

“We are concerned that much of the good work conducted over the past few months is at risk of going to waste. If the situation continues to worsen, we may find ourselves at the same levels of infection that we experienced earlier this year in March and April; and with that comes the potential for more extended restrictions to be imposed nationally.

“Coronavirus has not gone away. It remains the responsibility of everyone to help prevent the spread of this virus to protect older and vulnerable family members and friends.”