A LOOK AT THE FIGURES...

ALL but two of Wales’ 22 local authorities are now reporting falling Covid infection rates compared to last week.

However, there are still 18 counties with more than 100 positive cases per 100,000 people.

Latest figures show the Wales-wide infection rate now stands at 152.7 cases per 100,000 based on the seven days leading up to July 25, down from 155.2 the day before. Wales’ infection rate has now fallen steadily over more than a week from a peak of more than 200 cases for every 100,000 people in the preceding week.

Wales on Sunday has compared Public Health Wales data to see the places in Wales where the virus is spreading the most quickly. We compared the figures released on July 30 with seven days before.

These figures are seven-day rolling totals for new cases adjusted for population (per 100,000 people). It is important to remember that though these figures are a useful guide they are just part of the story. If testing massively increases in one place there is likely to be a rise in confirmed cases. However, these figures are still a vital factor in Welsh Government and Public Health Wales decision-making.

Below are the two areas where Covid is still rising (though slowly) as well as the three areas that have seen the fastest fall over the last 7 days. It is important to bear in mind these are not necessarily the places with the most cases but are where numbers are rising/falling fastest.

GROWING FASTEST:

Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey has seen a near

10% increase in cases in the last week. However, it still has the fifth lowest infection rate in Wales which is a contrast to many parts of the north east of

Wales that have seen particularly high numbers.

Neath Port Talbot

This area is the only other area that has seen a rise in cases. Despite this the situation doesn’t seem to be out of hand as the increase is less than 5%.

FALLING THE FASTEST:

Vale of Glamorgan

The Vale has seen the largest drop in Covid cases in the last week with the infection rate falling by over a third in just seven days.

Monmouthshire

After a very sharp rise in the two preceding weeks Monmouthshire saw a fall of 32% in the last seven days.

Wrexham

After a over a month of sustain high rates a large drop of 28% is welcome.