Deaths linked to outbreak at hospital rise to 25

TWENTY-FIVE patients have now died with coronavirus following an outbreak at a South Wales hospital.

New figures released yesterday showed there have now been 135 cases linked an outbreak at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, near Llantrisant, a rise of six on Thursday’s figure, with the death toll having risen by one.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board also reported three new deaths related to an outbreak at its Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr

Tydfil, bringing the total there to four. The number of cases at the hospital yesterday stood at 18, up by one from Thursday.

And at the health board’s Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, there has been one death related to the outbreak and 16 cases.

The health board said deaths included in the outbreaks are from patients whose deaths are associated with Covid-19 but not necessarily directly due to the virus.

Meanwhile, a ward at Maesteg Hospital has also been closed after a small cluster of coronavirus cases – fewer than five – was identified,

The health board’s medical director Dr Nick Lyons said staff are working with Public Health Wales to “closely monitor” Covid-19 cases at its hospitals and apologised to families and the wider community. He also thanked staff for working “incredibly hard” to tackle the issue and said “immediate measures to contain the spread of the virus have been put in place”.

He added: “We are appealing to the public to take seriously their responsibilities by ensuring their behaviour does not contribute to the spread of Covid-19. We remain grateful to all members of our community who are continuing to adhere to the guidance in order to help control this virus.”

Members of the public can call its helpline on 01685 726 464 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm.