Covid infection rate in Holyhead rises above 500 per 100,000 people as council releases map showing virus spread

The Covid-19 infection rate in Holyhead has risen to more than ten times the national average following a spike in cases in the town.

Anglesey’s Test, Trace and Protect team recorded over 100 new coronavirus cases in Holyhead from March 1st up until yesterday (March 17th).

This resulted in more than 450 people being forced to self-isolate.

The latest data reports show that the town has a Covid incidence rate of 503.9 per 100,000 people.

In comparison, Wales’ national incidence rate is 43.3 per 100,000 people.

The number of people testing positive for the virus on Anglesey has also increased to 11.9%.

Anglesey Council said: “This is the highest percentage of positive tests throughout Wales (the national average is 3.9%).

“Please play your part and follow the rules to #KeepAngleseySafe.”

The council has also published a map showing the spread of confirmed cases and potential contacts which can be seen below:

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Our TTP team recorded over 100 new Coronavirus cases in Holyhead from March 1st – March 17th. This resulted in more than 450 people being forced to self-isolate.

Sadly, latest data reports that Holyhead has a Coronavirus incidence rate of 503.9 per 100,000 people. pic.twitter.com/Ugg7D7xsjp

— Isle of Anglesey County Council (@angleseycouncil) March 18, 2021

Wales’ Health Minister has expressed his own concerns over a rise in coronavirus cases in Holyhead.

The town’s Covid-19 infection rates are responsible for over half of Anglesey’s total for March.

Council bosses have not ruled out the possibility of a local lockdown or closing the area’s schools once again in a bid to help curb transmission.

However, Vaughan Gething yesterday said the Welsh Government wanted to understand the reasons for the high number of cases before any localised action is taken.

Speaking at a coronavirus media briefing, he said: “There’s no choice as of yet about measures around Holyhead or the rest of the island of Anglesey.

“We need to understand exactly what is happening and what that means.

“Then, as we have regularly done during the course the pandemic, we will work with the local health service, local authority, and other actors in making choices together about what the right thing to do is.

“The leader of the local authority on Anglesey is a Plaid Cymru leader there but we’ve always had a very constructive and honest and grown up relationship with her and the authority she leads in making these choices.

“That will continue to be the way we behave, not just in Anglesey but right across the country.”