More than 600 cases of new Covid strain found in Wales likely ‘significant underestimate’

Only proportion of covid tests in Wales are able to detect new strain

(PA)

Figures show there are more than 600 cases of the new Covid-19 variant in Wales but this is "almost certainly a significant underestimation", First Minister Mark Drakeford said.

Only a proportion of the Welsh tests go to the two Lighthouse laboratories able to detect the new strain, he told a press conference in Cardiff.

Mr Drakeford said the Welsh government will have discussions with trade unions in Wales to see if "anything can be done" for people who will be working on Christmas Day this year.

"Of course we recognise the fact that there will be many people who have to give up their Christmas Day, and in this unique year that means they will be missing out on arrangements that other people are able to make," he said.

"So we will discuss it with the trade unions, and other public sector partners, to see if there is anything that can be done.

"It's more complex than it sounds. If we are able to do something, it'll have to be a solution that is workable and deliverable."

The overall death total, which includes a record 69 on 20 December, now stands at 3,125 in Wales.

This news comes as the UK announces their highest ever rate of confirmed covid cases, with 326 new cases in a 24 hour period.