Published: 4 June 2021
People living in Llandudno Junction, Llandudno and Penrhyn Bay are being urged to get a free Coronavirus test to help stop the spread of the Delta variant of Coronavirus (VOC-21APR-02), even if they have no symptoms.
People in Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn and Deganwy are now also being urged to come forward for a free test.
Over 380 people came forward for a PCR test, and over 1,300 lateral flow test packs were distributed at two special testing units between 29 May and 3 June.
A total of 54 confirmed, probable or possible cases of the variant have so far been found in the area.
Residents without symptoms are urged to collect a free lateral flow test from a mobile testing unit at Ysgol Awel y Mynydd, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9RZ.
The site will be open until Sunday 6 June, after which it will be relocated to Bodlondeb, Conwy LL32 8DU until Monday 14 June.
People who have Coronavirus symptoms, however mild, are also urged to get a free PCR test at a mobile testing unit at Conwy Business Centre, Junction Way, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9XX. The site will be open until Monday 14 June.
Opening times for the units is 8am to 1pm, and 2pm to 8pm every day. The sites are walk-in and drive-through, and no appointment is required.
Alternatively, members of the public can access the existing drive-through testing facility on Builder Street in Llandudno, which is open 8am to 1pm seven days a week. To access this site, people will need to make an appointment by visiting the Welsh Government website or by phoning 119.
The site is also open for lateral flow self-testing kits collection from 2pm to 8pm each day (drive-through).
Richard Firth, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, and Chair of the multi-agency Incident Management Team, said:
“A huge thank you to everyone in the community who has come forward for testing. By getting a test you have helped to limit the spread of the Delta variant.
“Although the response from residents has been very positive, there is still more we can do. If you live in the area please get a test now, even if your symptoms are mild or if you have no symptoms at all.
“Although the cases we have identified are linked, please remember that the Delta variant is circulating. Please stay at least two metres away from others, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face covering where required.
“Please take up the vaccine when offered, and self-isolate and get a test if you or anyone in your household develop symptoms.”
As well as the three most common symptoms of Coronavirus - a fever, a new continuous cough, or a loss/change of taste and smell - people are now able to get a test if they have any of a new list of other symptoms too.
These are:
Flu-like symptoms, which are not caused by a known condition such as hay fever, including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing; any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test.
The most recent evidence suggests that the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) is more transmissible than the previously dominant Alpha (or Kent) variant. The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the variants first identified in India after two doses.
In Wales, the number of confirmed cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) currently stands at 97, although this number is expected to go up. The numbers of variant cases in Wales are reported on the Public Health Wales surveillance dashboard at 12pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
Following further investigative work, the numbers confirmed today include 13 confirmed cases of the Delta variant, 10 probable cases, and 31 possible cases.
Between 29 May and 3 June, 383 people accessed PCR tests, and 1,323 people collected lateral flow tests at two mobile testing units in Conwy Business Centre and Ysgol Awel Y Mynydd.