AN outbreak of coronavirus within a North Wales hospital has been declared.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) officials have confirmed five wards are currently dealing with cases of the virus at Bangor’s Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The health board previously declared an outbreak at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in October - which remains ongoing - but have this evening confirmed that a seperate outbreak has started at their facility in Bangor.

Dr Karen Mottart, medical director at Ysbyty Gwynedd, issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the situation.

She said: “As of this morning, we are caring for 75 patients with COVID-19 infection, of which, 49 are linked with the outbreak.

“A programme of staff and patient testing is underway. All patients who have tested positive are being appropriately isolated, in line with Public Health Wales’ policy on infection prevention and control measures.

“As we continue with a programme of additional testing, we expect to find more cases in patients and staff who are not currently symptomatic. This approach will help us build an accurate picture of the current situation, enabling us to safely manage patients and prevent any unknown potential transmission.”

“The virus is still circulating in our communities, and with the new variants that are more transmissible, more patients with COVID-19 have been admitted into our hospitals than at any other time during the pandemic.

“A significant risk is that a patient can test negative for COVID-19 while the virus is in its incubation period, and then test positive after being admitted to hospital.

“All hospitals face the challenge of balancing the risk of infection while providing care for those who need it.

“Please help us to reduce the risk of infection by only attending our hospital sites if it is absolutely necessary. Visiting remains restricted, except for limited circumstances, but people should continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise.”