CALLS have been made to urgently expand testing in care homes to address the recent marked increase in North Wales Covid-19 cases.

Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament (MS) for Aberconwy and Shadow Minister for Social Care, has urged the Welsh Government to address the recent marked increase in North Wales COVID-19 cases by further expanding testing in the social care sector.

Figures released by Public Health Wales show that on Friday, May 30,North Wales continues to record the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases of any Welsh region.

The MS has also raised her concerns over the collection of Covid-19 statistics, particularly with regards to those individuals receiving domiciliary or community care.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said:“I share my constituents’ concern regarding the news that North Wales is recording the highest number of positive Covid-19 tests outside of Cardiff.

"This latest data release goes some way to reveal to true state of affairs in our region."

As reported in national media, the virus' spread to care homes nationwide has contributed a significant proportion of the UK's death toll, which remains the second highest globally, behind only the USA.

Mrs Finch Saunders added: “With a largely older demographic in Aberconwy, I have long advocated for the expansion of testing throughout the social care sector.

"Regardless of setting or community size, all individuals who receive social care support should be tested if the Welsh Government is committed to protecting our valiant front-line staff.

“I urge Welsh Ministers to address the growing test disparity between our social care and healthcare sectors as a matter of urgency.

“More frequent updates and a firmer grasp of the data is necessary should the Welsh Government wish to find any success in its test, trace, protect protocol.”