LATEST figures from health officials show how coronavirus in North Wales continues to spread - particularly in North Wales.

Data shows that 24 of the 26 new cases of coronavirus acquired as of July 31 came from North Wales – specifically eight in Wrexham, eight in Denbighshire, six in Flintshire, one in Anglesey and one in Gwynedd.

Sadly, four more hospital patients died as a result of the virus and both were reported from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area which now has confirmed 387 people have lost their life to COVID-19.

Headline data for Wales shows that as of today – Friday – more than 17,258 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Wales and the current number of deaths currently stands at 1,560.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Welsh Government has announced changes to the lockdown effective Monday, August 3.

“The restrictions preventing more than two households or extended households meeting outdoors will be changed to allow up to 30 people to meet outdoors. Physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

“Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes will be able to re-open indoors. As will indoor bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo halls. Licensed wedding venues will be able to re-open to provide wedding ceremonies. However, indoor receptions will not be able to take place for the time being.

“Finally, children under the age of 11 will no longer have to maintain a two metre distance from each other or from adults. This reflects scientific evidence which indicates the risk of transmission is lower among this age group. However, it is very important older children and young adults continue to follow social distancing and the other measures to keep them safe.

“Public Health Wales supports yesterday’s announcement of the four UK Chief Medical Officers to extend the self-isolation period from seven to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result. This will help provide additional protection to others in the community.

“We continue to caution and remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines - staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) - must self-isolate and seek an urgent test.”

Health officials also gave the same update in relation to the current incidents surrounding Wrexham.

Dr Howe said: “Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham Council and Public Health Wales are working together to provide easy-access testing at two testing centres in Wrexham. If you think you have symptoms - even very mild ones or you’re not sure - please get tested.

“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep Wales safe. We can do this by always observing social distancing guidelines - that’s staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly.

“Focused testing as part of the management of clusters and outbreaks of Coronavirus will inevitably identify new cases, and this does not mean that there has been a significant increase in the level of infection in the community.”