BETSI Cadwaladr Health Board (BCUHB) says it's more important than ever that people get Covid vaccinated amid a spike in cases of the Delta variant in North Wales.

The health board says the Delta variant, which originated in India, now accounts for 90 per cent of new North Wales cases and is 60 per cent more transmissible than previous variants.

Gill Harris, deputy chief executive and executive director of nursing and midwifery at BCUHB, said: "Vaccinations have become especially important in light of the emergence and continued spread of the delta variant of coronavirus, which is thought to be 60 per cent more transmissible than the previously dominant alpha variant, and now accounts for over 90 per cent of new positive coronavirus cases in North Wales.

"Those in younger age groups who feel no personal risk from Covid are reminded that vaccination is the best way to ensure that restrictions are eased and we can all return to normal life. It's now easier than ever for people to book their first and second dose vaccine appointments at a convenient date, time and location through the online booking service on our website.

“Having both doses of the Covid vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Owing to the threat posed by the delta variant, we’ve brought forward the second dose interval for the Pfizer vaccine to eight weeks."

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