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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Steve Bagnall & Milo Boyd

Coronavirus hospital patients double in Wrexham with army drafted in to tackle surge

The army has been called in to a town following a spike in coronavirus cases.

As of this morning, members of the military are running mobile testing centres in Wrexham, North Wales, amid a serious outbreak.

A month ago there was an outbreak at Rowan Foods plant on the town's industrial estate, The Daily Post reported.

More than 300 people tested positive for the coronavirus at the factory.

Last week it emerged that between 70 and 80 people are fighting Covid-19 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Between 70 and 80 patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have the bug (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

That is more than double the number there as of last week.

A small number of patients are also being treated at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital and Mold Community Hospital.

Plaid Cymru said the number of cases "paints a worrying picture of an infection that isn't under control".

Today at a press briefing, Welsh Government finance minister Rebecca Evans, said an outbreak control team was at the hospital to break "the train of transmission".

She said inquiries were ongoing to establish why there were such high numbers and if there was any link with the Rowan Food outbreak.

There have been 53 cases in the Wrexham area in the last week, which is 30% of all Welsh infections.

Wrexham County Borough Council chiefs said the two testing centres will make it easier for people living in communities on the edge of the town centre to get a Covid-19 test.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham council’s lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community safety, said: “We’re working with our partners to provide easy-access testing in edge-of-town communities in Wrexham.

“As well as making it easier for people to get a test, it will also help Public Health Wales gain further insight into the local situation.

“The mobile testing units will be based in Hightown and Caia Park over the next few days, and you can go to either testing station if you live in and around these areas.

"The process is quick and easy.”

People feeling seriously unwell are urged to contact their GP or dial 999 in an emergency.

Dr Chris Williams of PHW said: “Providing easy-access testing will help us further understand the situation in Wrexham.

“We’re encouraging anyone who thinks they may have symptoms – even very mild ones – to take advantage of the mobile testing units while they’re in the area, and go and get a test.

“Testing is a really important part of the strategy for managing Covid-19 in Wales, so it’s important people step forward if they think they have symptoms.

“Covid-19 can spread in community settings, not just in workplaces.

“If you do test positive, you’ll be given advice by contact tracers at Wrexham Council.

“They’ll advise you on how long to isolate for and what support you can get to help you through the isolation period.

“They’ll also ask for your help in tracing people you’ve been in close contact with recently.”

Workers worried about getting a test in case it means they have to isolate and can't go to work, were told they  may be able to get financial support  to help them.

 
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