ONLY a small number of positive coronavirus cases have been identified after more than 1,400 people were checked at two dedicated testing sites in Wrexham.

The centres in Caia Park and Hightown were open for four days after being established last Wednesday in response to a spike in cases of COVID-19 in the county borough.

The initial results published on Friday showed just two positive results were returned in relation to 400 individuals tested on the first day of opening.

While the full details of testing in the area will not be made available until tomorrow, health officials said the amount of cases identified in the community had been low.

A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: “We will be providing the final numbers from the four days of testing at easy-access community testing centres in Wrexham following a meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team meeting tomorrow.

“However, we can confirm that over 1,400 people were tested over the four days, and that the numbers of positive cases identified are small.

“We continue to be very reassured by the emerging picture from these sessions, which appears to indicate that transmission is significantly lower than thought.”

While news of the results has been welcomed, concerns remain regarding the overall uplift in cases in both Wrexham and Flintshire.

It follows reports of some patients contracting the virus whilst staying at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed yesterday there were 61 COVID-19 cases at the town’s hospital.

It has led to the officials encouraging all hospital visitors in North Wales to wear masks or face coverings.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: “We know that coming to hospital at the present time might cause our patients some anxiety and worry.

“We would like to reassure our communities that the safety of our staff and patients is our key priority.

“As such we have taken the decision to actively encourage the wearing of face coverings, or face masks, for all staff and patients in the public or communal areas of our hospitals.

“Evidence has shown that people infected with COVID-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms and can transmit the virus to others without being aware, so it is important that we take steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

“We want the safest possible environment for our patients and visitors and we will be taking extra steps to ensure social distancing and encouraging the use of hand sanitisers on entering and leaving the hospital.”