Anglesey suffers worst month for Covid related deaths as 19 people lose their lives

The multi-agency team working to protect Anglesey is urging residents to remain very cautious in light of the continuing coronavirus threat.

Anglesey currently has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in Wales (at 102.8 per 100,000), which is significantly higher than the national average (75.7 per 100,000).

February has also seen the virus claim the highest number of island residents’ lives in a single month.

Sadly, 19 more deaths have been confirmed – bringing the total since the pandemic began to 59.

These stark figures, combined with the outbreak now declared at Ysbyty Gwynedd, has led Anglesey’s Covid-19 Prevention and Surveillance Group to urge communities to remain very cautious and follow the basic rules to keep each other safe.

The group comprises of representatives from Anglesey County Council, Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, Bangor University, Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai and Anglesey GP surgeries.

Its chair and Anglesey Council deputy chief executive, Dylan Williams, said: “Our island currently finds itself in one of the most precarious situations since the pandemic began.

“The number of weekly positive coronavirus cases and test rate positivity remain very concerning; and Anglesey still has the second highest coronavirus infection rate throughout the whole of Wales.”

“As a community we simply cannot afford to drop our guard – despite an improving picture nationally.

“Our individual actions and behaviours remain key if we are to see the situation improve as soon as possible, whilst limiting loss of life.”

He added: “It is now more important than ever that we all follow the all-important national and local guidance. The rules are there to protect each other, our loved ones, our communities and the NHS.”

To keep Anglesey and Wales safe, we must:

• stay at home
• meet only the people you live with
• work from home if you can
• stay 2 meters from anyone you do not live with
• wear a face covering where required
• wash your hands regularly
• open windows to allow fresh air in

Anglesey council leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, added: “The lives of 59 families and friends of those we have lost on Ynys Môn have been changed forever due to this cruel virus.

“The last 11 months have been incredibly tough and challenging for us all, but we cannot let all this hard work go to waste.

“We must remain as vigilant as possible and keep following the national guidance to protect ourselves, families, friends and communities.”

Anglesey’s mobile coronavirus testing centre is currently located in Amlwch.

Anyone showing symptoms should start self-isolating along with all their household members and arrange a test as soon as possible.

If you do go for a test, it is vital that everyone in your household remains in self-isolation until you get your result.

Residents should book a test before visiting the testing centre at the Noddfa car park.

A test can be booked by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

For more information about the current Alert Level 4 lockdown and answers to frequently asked question, please visit the Welsh Government website: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4