Covid cases in county identified as Delta variant

Cases linked to an increase of Covid-19 infections in Denbighshire have been identified as the Delta variant, says the county council in its latest update. 

An Incident Management Team (IMT) is currently in operation to manage the situation and comprises of Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The linked cases are connected to a number of gatherings and cases are being identified in a number of settings and venues, including schools.

So far there have been a total of 25 confirmed linked cases, although not all have been confirmed as the Delta variant, while a total of 428 pupils are self-isolating from Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Denbigh High School and St Brigid’s.

Those displaying symptoms of Covid-19 are asked to book a PCR test immediately.

An additional mobile testing unit is operating at Caledfryn, Denbigh, while testing centres are also operating in Rhyl, Quay Street Car Park and Llangollen, Market Street Car Park. Booking is required at these sites.

HWB Dinbych is operating a Covid Support Hub offering collection of free lateral flow tests from today (Tuesday, June 15).

Chair of the IMT, Nicola Stubbins, said: “Enquiries are still being made and further test results are still pending and we would like to reassure residents we are working to reduce any further spread.  This includes offering an additional testing site in the county as well as an enhanced Test, Trace and Protect process and 14 day self-isolation for any contacts.

“Not all cases have been confirmed as the Delta variant, but the strain is becoming the dominant variant in the UK and we are treating these connected positive tests as the Delta variant. The Delta variant is more transmittable and sticking to the guidelines is the best way of slowing its spread within our communities. The emergence of these new cases is a reminder we should not become complacent, even as rates of the virus across Wales remain low.

“It is vital residents do not attend any gatherings which contravene Welsh Government Covid-19 guidelines and remain vigilant by following the rules, including wearing masks in indoor spaces and maintaining social distancing.

“You can now go for a free Covid-19 test if you have a wider range of symptoms which include flu-like symptoms, not caused by a known condition, muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing and generally feeling unwell.

“Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test at a test centre immediately and following a positive result, must self-isolate and share all relevant information with TTP tracers and advisors.

“We are also reminding those eligible and not showing symptoms to undertake regular lateral flow tests at home, which are free and can be ordered online for home delivery.

“I would also urge anyone eligible to get a vaccine to do so as soon as possible and for those who have had their first dose to take up the offer of the second dose.

“On behalf of the IMT, I would like to thank Denbighshire residents for their co-operation and their efforts to follow the guidelines and keep our communities safe.”

Book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test order a lateral flow test at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

You can book a test by telephone on 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).

You can pick up free lateral flow tests from HWB Dinbych, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RG from June 15 on Tuesday 8.30am - 1pm; Wednesday 4pm - 6pm; Thursday 8.30am - 1pm and Friday 8.30am - 1pm.

You can also pick up free lateral flow tests from Rhyl, Quay Street Carpark LL18 1NS, between 8am and 1pm, seven days a week.