THE impact of coronavirus remains significant right across North Wales as the region continues to record the highest incidence rates.

Throughout the pandemic, North Wales has always been ‘slightly behind’ the South, but now we are seeing the reverse, the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has said.

At the Health Board meeting held on July 15, Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, told members that the Delta Variant is ‘very much present’ in the North with ‘very high numbers’ being seen, particularly in Wrexham.

However, in some 'positive news' Gwynedd and Anglesey are no longer in the 'top ten' areas of particular concern.

There are currently 33 patients in acute beds and eight in community beds, meaning there are 41 patients in hospital with coronavirus right across the region.

Ms Harris said they are still seeing evidence of Covid in acute hospitals, which are still trying to manage the ‘red and green pathways’.

In a report shown to members, an outbreak was declared at Heddfan Unit at Wrexham Maelor on June 29 with nine patients and four staff.

There are escalation plans in place should there be a requirement due to the third wave.

Ms Harris said as we head into the summer months, North Wales has topped the charts for UK staycations which in turn is having an impact on care services.

There are a significant number of patients in beds who aren’t local to North Wales and accessing services which brings its on risks in terms of Covid.

Ms Harris said she supports mask wearing but it is ‘about public messaging’, urging people to keep their track and trace on and self-isolating when required.

They fear an increase in other virus’ like the flu or norovirus as we head into late summer and autumn which will bring its own challenges.

When talking about the vaccination programme, Ms Harris said they are hitting all milestones and have offered all adults over 18 a vaccine.

There continues to be a ‘lower intake’ in the age group 18-39, but work is ongoing to reach ‘hard to reach’ groups and she urged people to take up their offer, this includes online booking and reducing the interval between vaccinations.

The main vaccination centres in the East are at Deeside Leisure Centre, Catrin Finch Centre, Plas Madoc leisure centre and the British Legion in Llay but mobile centres will also be available/

When asked how many people in hospital have been vaccinated, Ms Harris said she did not have precise numbers but the evidence suggests there are less severe symptoms with a vaccine.

She added: “Even one dose seems to be having impact on severity and I would urge the vaccine really is making a difference.”