More than 20 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Ceredigion and 18 in Gwynedd today, according to the latest figures, as Public Health Wales chiefs express concern over the high levels of the virus across the country.

Public Health Wales figures show 21 new cases in Ceredigion out of 183 tests, 13 in Pembrokeshire from 176 tests, and 102 in Carmarthenshire, where there were 657 tests.

Gwynedd’s 18 positive cases came from 164 tests.

There were two more deaths were recorded in Hywel Dda, taking the total to 136.

Dr Eleri Davies, incident director for the outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is concerned at the high levels of Coronavirus in nearly every part of Wales.

“If we are to have meaningful and safe interactions within the permitted exclusive Christmas ‘bubble’, then everyone should immediately start to limit their interactions with other as much as possible in the lead up to the festive period.

“This means staying out of other people’s homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to do so by contact tracers.

"As the number of cases continues to accelerate in Wales, we would also advise people to consider their plans for Christmas from the perspective of what they ‘should’ do, rather than what they ‘can’ do, in order to protect their families and communities.

“The festive period is important for people across Wales who want to be with loved ones during the holidays, particularly after a very difficult year, but we would remind everyone that we must each continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. For many, this will mean that it isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas in the way you normally would.”

There were 1,968 new cases reported across Wales with Public Health Wales recording 33 new deaths.

Wales now has had a total of 95,998 cases and 2,789 people have died with suspected Covid-19.

There were 13,888 tests carried out across Wales yesterday.