The health board has brought stricter safety measures into hospital visiting due to high covid rates across the region.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has taken the decision that all visitors to hospital sites in North Wales will be required to show proof of a negative lateral flow test before entry.

A spokesman said: "In response to high COVID-19 case rates in North Wales, we are introducing additional precautionary measures for all visitors at our district general and community hospital sites.

"Lateral flow tests should be completed before arrival at the hospital and within 72 hours of the visit.

"Visitors will be required to wear a face mask, any additional recommended PPE and adhere to distancing guidance.

"Patient visiting by friends and family remains by appointment with ward or departmental staff only, and is usually restricted to a single visitor from the same household.

"These measures, which are already in operation at a number of our hospital sites and departments, will enable us to continue to allow safe visiting while protecting our patients and staff.

"We would appeal to visitors not to attend our hospitals or other settings if they have COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of taste or smell, or have been in contact with anyone with symptoms."

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales, has welcomed the move: “The new measures are in place in response to high Covid rates across the region and I can fully understand why they are needed.

“We are still in the grip of the pandemic and with the latest Omicron variant threatening to run rampant across Wales we all need to be extra cautious and vigilant.

“The introduction of LFT’s will enable the hospital to continue to allow safe visiting while protecting patients and staff and I would urge my constituents to follow the rules.

“We all need to work together to keep the virus at bay and by following guidelines we can keep everyone safe.”