The number of people being treated specifically for Covid-19 in Welsh hospitals is the highest it has been since mid-July, latest figures have revealed. On Tuesday, December 20, of the 538 patients in hospital with "confirmed" Covid, 72 of them were being actively treated for the virus - the most since July 22 (77 patients).
However there remain very few coronavirus patients needing the most serious form of treatment in critical care. Of the nine "confirmed" Covid patients in critical care beds, only five were being treated specifically for the virus. The most there has been all year in these types of beds is 26.
The figures come as hospitals across the country struggle with overwhelming levels of demand. On December 19 Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales declared an "internal critical incident" due to incredibly high patient volumes. It said a combination of winter viruses, parents seeking help due to concerns about strep A and injuries related to the cold weather were to blame.
