VIRUS DEATHS IN WALES ROCKET AFTER COUNTING DELAY:
TWENTY-ONE more people have died in Wales with coronavirus, according to the latest figures released by Public Health Wales. The large number of new deaths was revealed yesterday afternoon, and it takes the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Wales to 1,667.
Public Health Wales explained the huge spike in new recorded deaths, saying it was down to a “delay in incorporating 17 deaths” that occurred last week in one particular health board area.
The figure still represents a big spike in deaths – there were only 12 deaths reported in Wales between October 3 and October 7.
There were two deaths reported on Friday.
Dr Christopher Williams, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is today confirming 21 additional deaths on our data dashboard.
“Although this appears to be a large daily upturn in the number of fatalities, this increase is the result of a delay in incorporating 17 deaths that occurred in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board between Saturday 3 and Wednesday 7 October.
“Public Health Wales provides rapid reporting relating to coronavirus in Wales, which is subject to ongoing data reconciliation. The official statistics relating to coronavirus deaths in Wales are published weekly by the Office for National Statistics.
“It is vital that people in every part of Wales stick to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly. They must also self-isolate immediately when asked to do so.
“We are also reminding everyone not to delay in booking a coronavirus test if you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the virus, however mild such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell. You must book a test for coronavirus promptly to help control the spread of infection.”
The exact number of new confirmed cases of coronavirus has not yet been released by Public Health Wales.